Plato, The Republic Book X on Art

Summary

In the dialogue 'The Republic,' Plato, through Socrates, argues that art, particularly imitative arts like poetry and painting, is twice removed from truth as it imitates appearances rather than reality. Socrates suggests that artists lack knowledge of the true nature of what they depict and can negatively influence the soul by strengthening the inferior parts of emotions and appetites over reason. This perspective has influenced Western views on art, with parallels seen in modern critiques of mass media like television.

Takeaways

• 🎨 In Plato's 'The Republic', Socrates argues that an ideal city should exclude poets as they represent the imitative arts, which are considered inferior in the hierarchy of reality.
• 📚 Plato introduces the concept of 'forms' or 'eidos', which are perfect, eternal, and immaterial realities that are the true essence of all things, as opposed to the changeable material world.
• 🖌️ Art, particularly imitative arts like poetry and painting, is seen as a third category, below the forms and the material objects (articles), as it imitates the imitations of reality.
• 👤 Socrates criticizes artists for lacking knowledge or correct opinion about what they imitate, suggesting that their work is devoid of truth and virtue.
• 👣 The imitative nature of art is considered twice removed from the truth, as it does not imitate reality but the sensory world, which is itself an imitation of the forms.
• 🤝 Socrates believes that artists do not need to understand or use the objects they depict, unlike craftsmen who must have intimate knowledge to create functional items.
• 🧠 Plato's view of the soul as tripartite—comprising reason, spirit, and appetite—suggests that art appeals to the lower parts of the soul, potentially weakening reason.
• 🌐 Socrates warns that the influence of art can have negative effects on individuals, strengthening the inferior parts of the soul and thus undermining rationality.
• 📺 The script draws a parallel between Plato's critique of poetry and modern concerns about the impact of mass media, such as television, on society.
• 🔍 The discussion invites contemplation on the enduring relevance of Plato's ideas about art and its influence on human psychology and societal values.

Q & A

Why does Socrates argue that poets should be excluded from the ideal city in Plato's 'The Republic'?

Socrates argues that poets should be excluded because they imitate appearances rather than reality, and their art is twice removed from the truth. Additionally, he believes that the arts can have a negative influence on the soul by strengthening the inferior parts of the soul.

What is the term 'techne' in the context of ancient Greek art?

In ancient Greek, 'techne' referred to any kind of human activity, including crafts, sciences, and what we now consider fine arts. It was a broader concept than our modern understanding of art.

What are 'forms' or 'eidos' in Plato's philosophy as discussed in 'The Republic'?

Forms or 'eidos' in Plato's philosophy are immaterial, eternal, immutable, and timeless entities that represent the ultimate reality. They are perfect and supersensible, existing beyond the physical world and are the true essence of things.

How does Socrates differentiate between the reality of forms and the reality of material objects?

Socrates differentiates by stating that material objects are imitations of the forms, which are the true reality. Material objects are changeable and perceptible through the senses, while forms are perfect and can only be grasped through thought.

What is the third category of reality that Socrates introduces in 'The Republic'?

The third category of reality that Socrates introduces is art, specifically the imitative arts like poetry and painting, which are considered to be an imitation of the material objects that are themselves imitations of the forms.

Why does Socrates believe that artists lack knowledge or correct opinion about what they imitate?

Socrates believes that artists lack knowledge or correct opinion because they do not need to understand the true nature or function of what they are imitating; they only need to mimic the appearance, which is a second-hand imitation of the true forms.

What is the tripartite view of the soul as described by Socrates in 'The Republic'?

The tripartite view of the soul consists of three parts: reason (the rational part), spirited (associated with emotions), and appetitive (seeking to meet basic material needs). Socrates argues that art appeals to the spirited and appetitive parts, which are inferior and should be guided by reason.

How does Socrates' view on art relate to modern critiques of mass media like television?

Socrates' view on art can be seen as analogous to modern critiques of mass media like television, where it is argued that excessive consumption can lead to laziness, poor moral judgment, and a more passive citizenry, thus negatively affecting the rational part of the soul.

What is the role of the rational part of the soul according to Socrates?

According to Socrates, the rational part of the soul is the best part, capable of accessing the forms and gaining truth. It should be in control, guiding the spirited and appetitive parts, rather than being directed by them.

How does the imitative nature of art affect the soul according to Socrates?

Socrates believes that the imitative nature of art affects the soul by strengthening the inferior parts, the spirited and appetitive parts, which should be controlled by reason. This can lead to a weakening of the rational part and a distortion of the soul's proper order.

What is the significance of the dialogue between Socrates and the host in the context of the discussion on art?

The dialogue serves as a contemporary example of how the imitative nature of art can be perceived as lacking in depth and understanding, mirroring Socrates' critique of artists' lack of knowledge in 'The Republic'.