Essay --

Western philosophy has been around since before the time of Jesus. Few philosophers have had as much influence on the world as Plato in western philosophy. Born over 400 years before Jesus, Plato’s influence may be second only to Christianity in this day and age (outside of eastern philosophy). One of Plato’s greatest works, and considered by many his masterpiece, is The Republic, which is widely read today and covers many topics. In The Republic, Plato presents many interesting ideas and thoughts that look to expand one’s wisdom and knowledge of the world. Plato uses a unique style of writing and welcomes controversy and opposing opinions. Some of the main concepts covered are justice, both on an individual and societal level, what is the nature of a man’s soul, the order and character of a just city-state, the forms of government, and theories of universals such as the Forms, and virtue. However, this book is mainly thought of as a philosophical treatise on politics. The main character in the Republic is Socrates, while other characters like Cephalus, Polemarchus, Thrasymachus, Glaucon, and Adeimantus help Socrates navigate through the problems presented by conventional wisdom, while displaying Plato’s thoughts and wisdom. Each of these characters play a key role in setting up Plato’s ideas and thoughts, while bringing to the story their own perspective and intellect. While Plato was an understudy of Socrates, and became the philosopher he is because of Socrates, Plato uses Socrates as a fictional character in his writing and expels his knowledge mainly through him and the conversations he has with the other characters. Plato is a very interesting philosopher, beyond the wisdom he has passed on to others; he writes in a unique ... ...nd forms previously mentioned. Plato presents that particulars participate in forms and give their common quality, which the quality is a reflection of his idea. Plato finally concludes with an argument for the immorality of the soul. The soul’s illness is ultimately injustice. A man can ultimately overcome injustice by harmonizing reason, spirit, and appetite (desire), which will lead to a healthy life and soul.4 Although Plato uses circular reasoning in many of his arguments, he embraces resistance and argument towards his ideas and philosophy. Plato embraces this because this is what dialectic is, refuting one’s views to progress towards a true knowledge. Dialectic is held very dearly to Plato and this is how Plato became so knowledgeable and wise. Plato is one of the greatest philosophers of all time, and The Republic is a prominent figure in today’s society.