Plato’s best (and worst) ideas - Wisecrack

Summary

Plato, a foundational figure in Western philosophy, is renowned for his theory of Forms, positing an ideal, unchanging realm beyond our flawed reality. He advocated for philosopher-kings to govern, envisioning a utopian society in 'The Republic.' Despite his influential political theories, Plato's views on women's capabilities and the 'noble lie' to maintain societal structure have been criticized. His ideas, both progressive and problematic, have shaped and continue to influence modern thought.

Takeaways

• 📚 Plato is considered one of the most influential philosophers in history, with some describing Western philosophy as a series of footnotes to his work.
• 🏛️ He founded the first Western university and was a teacher to great minds such as Aristotle.
• 🌐 Plato proposed the existence of a perfect, unchanging world of Forms, which are ideal versions of the things and concepts we see in our imperfect world.
• 🤔 He believed that philosophers should use reason to understand these Forms, rather than relying on their senses.
• 🐦 Plato humorously classified humans as 'featherless bipeds,' which was mocked by Diogenes the Cynic with a plucked chicken.
• 🏛️ As a political theorist, Plato argued that only those who have mastered the craft of ruling, which involves contemplating the Forms, should lead.
• 🌳 In 'The Republic,' Plato envisioned a utopian society led by a philosopher king, emphasizing justice and harmony.
• 🚺 He was progressive for his time, suggesting that women were equally capable of ruling, although he also made inconsistent statements about women elsewhere.
• 🤝 Plato suggested society should be divided into producers, military, and rulers, supported by a 'noble lie' about the metals in people's souls determining their roles.
• 🔧 Despite some outdated or flawed ideas, Plato's work has been foundational, allowing future thinkers to refine and build upon his theories.

Q & A

Who did Plato influence according to the script?

Plato influenced many of today's thinkers, with one 20th-century philosopher even describing all of Western philosophy as a series of footnotes to Plato.

What was Plato's major contribution to education?

Plato created the first Western university and taught Ancient Greece's greatest minds, including Aristotle.

What is Plato's theory of Forms?

Plato argued that beyond our imperfect world is a perfect, unchanging world of Forms, which are the ideal versions of the things and concepts we see around us. Our reality is made up of imperfect copies of these ideal Forms.

What was Plato's view on how philosophers should navigate reality?

Plato believed that philosophers should strive to contemplate and understand the perfect Forms so they may better navigate our misleading reality.

What did Plato say about the human species in comparison to animals?

Plato described humans as 'featherless bipeds.' However, this definition was famously mocked by Diogenes the Cynic, who brought a plucked chicken to Plato's class, calling it 'Plato's man.'

What was Plato's ideal form of government?

In his Republic, Plato imagined a utopia where justice is the ultimate goal, and the city is led by a philosopher king. He believed rulers should be skilled in the craft of contemplating the Forms.

What was Plato’s view on women’s ability to rule?

Plato reasoned that women were equally able to rule in his ideal model city, making him one of the earliest to advocate gender equality in leadership.

What was one of Plato's mistaken beliefs about women's health?

Plato believed that a woman's womb was a live animal that could wander around in her body and cause illness, a misconception that influenced European medicine for hundreds of years.

How did Plato propose society should be structured?

Plato proposed that society should be divided into three groups: producers, the military, and rulers. He also suggested a 'noble lie' that people are born with gold, silver, or a mixture of brass and iron in their souls, which determines their role in life.

Did Plato’s 'noble lie' have any modern implications?

Some thinkers credit Plato’s idea of the 'noble lie' as a prototype for 20th-century propaganda, with the philosopher king serving as an inspiration for dictators who manipulated these ideas.