History Main / Republic

* ''Literature.TheRepublic'', Creator/{{Plato}}'s analysis of the concept of justice.

[[redirect:Literature/TheRepublic]]

[[quoteright:340:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/socrates.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:340:Sure talks a lot for a guy who [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_know_that_I_know_nothing knows nothing]].]]

Describe {{Republic}} here.

Oh, no, no. If I do that, you'll just twist my words around and make me look silly.

Well, if you insist. ''The Republic'' is perhaps the most well-known dialogue of the ancient Greek philosopher {{Plato}}, offering profound contemplation on the meaning of justice, and whether the just or the unjust man is happier in life. The work is split into ten separate books, making it one of Plato's longer pieces. Like most of Plato's dialogues, ''The Republic'' centers on Plato's teacher, the celebrated {{Socrates}}. The other characters in the dialogue are Glaucon, Polemarchus, Cephalus, Thrasymachus, Adeimantus, and Cleitophon. Of these, the chief characters are Glaucon and Adeimantus (incidentally, Plato's older brothers); the others speak little –if at all – beyond the first book. Others are present, but do not speak during the dialogue.

The dialogue begins as Socrates and Glaucon are invited to a gathering at the home of Polemarchus. Upon arrival, Socrates begins conversing with Polemarchus’s father Cephalus. During this talk, Cephalus comments upon the benefits of justice, prompting Socrates to pose the question for which he is probably best remembered: “What ''is'' justice?” Cephalus (perhaps wisely) excuses himself from the discussion at this point, and it is taken up by Polemarchus and later Thrasymachus, who each have their own definitions of justice. Socrates responds with his renowned Socratic Method: instead of openly contradicting their definitions, he asks a series of questions regarding their specifics until their inherent contradictions become apparent. Polemarchus soon abandons his definition, and though Thrasymachus is regarded as one of Socrates’s more formidable opponents, he eventually does likewise.

When Thrasymachus yields, Glaucon and his brother Adeimantus take his place, not convinced by Socrates’s reasoning. Socrates therefore suggests a bold thought experiment: the three of them will devise a hypothetical society which is perfectly just and analyze what ''makes'' it just, then deduce from there what justice means. The rest of the dialogue is dedicated to the conception of this hypothetical republic, as Socrates describes it in minute detail and goes to great lengths to explain his reasoning. Along the way, Socrates determines that a just society is one in which each individual concerns himself with his own business and no one else’s, that a just person is one whose emotions do not overwhelm his reason, and that acting justly leads to happiness while acting unjustly leads to unhappiness.

Socrates's idea of a perfect society [[ValuesDissonance may not sound so great to modern audiences]], but it isn't his conclusions so much as his process that makes ''The Republic'' so interesting. Socrates is logical and methodical. He is concerned less with coming to an answer quickly than with coming to the correct answer in the end. He considers no detail obvious or unimportant, and examines everything. And most strikingly, he doesn't allow himself to get carried away, constantly pausing to make sure that his friends agree with his reasoning. This is Socrates in all his humble glory, providing a shining example for students of philosophy even today, and that is why ''The Republic'' has endured as a philosophical masterpiece for so many centuries.
----
!!This work offers examples of:
* AuthorAvatar: When you consider that no one is really sure whether it was actually Socrates or Plato who wrote the book... From a literary perspective, the two philosophers are actually considered the same person. This trope is in play with Socrates as the main character and Socrates/Plato as the author.
* TheCynic: Thrasymachus. He even believes that Justice [[MightMakesRight protects the interests of the strong over the weak]].
* DemocracyIsBad: Socrates believes it is one step away from tyranny.
** Of course, the democracy he knew was quite different from modern democracy.
* FanFic[=/=]RealPersonFic: Most of Plato's works amount to fanfics of Socrates's life, [[FanFicRecommendations but that being said...]]
* FantasticCasteSystem
* GenreSavvy: At one point, Socrates is leading the conversation in [[ObfuscatingStupidity his]] [[ArmorPiercingQuestion usual]] [[PullTheThread manner]], and Adeimantus notices. He proceeds to interrupt the conversation and demand that Socrates stop pretending to be a moron and simply state what he's trying to get at.
* GoodFeelsGood: A just man is happier than an unjust man.
* IJustWantToBeNormal: During the Myth of Er, when the departed souls are given the opportunity to select their next life, Odysseus searches for the most uneventful, simple life he can find.
* {{Invisibility}}: The Ring of Gyges parable.
* MightMakesRight: Thrasymachus is all over this trope.
* PerfectPacifistPeople: The hypothetical republic embraces pacifism... for the most part.
* {{Utopia}}: The point of the dialogue is to define one.
* UtopiaJustifiesTheMeans: Some of the utopia's laws are actually horrifying by today's standards.
* WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity: Socrates claims that philosophers make the best rulers because they can avoid this.
* YesMan: All the other characters there amount to saying "Yes, Socrates, you are right" after everything Socrates says.
----
<<|{{Literature}}|>>

Socrates's idea of a perfect society [[ValuesDissonance may not sound so great to modern audiences]], but it isn't his conclusions so much as his process that makes ''The Republic'' so interesting. Socrates is logical and methodical. He is concerned less with coming to an answer quickly than with coming to the correct answer in the end. He considers no detail obvious or unimportant, and examines everything. And most strikingly, he doesn't allow himself to get carried away, constantly pausing to make sure that his friends agree with his reasoning. This is Socrates in all his humble glory, providing a shining example for studiers of philosophy even today, and that is why ''The Republic'' has endured as a philosophical masterpiece for so many centuries.

Well, if you insist. ''The Republic'' is perhaps the most well-known dialogue of the ancient Greek philosopher {{Plato}}, offering profound contemplation on the meaning of justice, and whether the just or the unjust man is happier in life. The work is split into ten separate books, making it one of Plato's longer pieces. Like most of Plato's dialogues, ''The Republic'' centers on Plato's teacher, the celebrated {{Socrates}}. The other characters in the dialogue are Glaucon, Polemarchus, Cephalus, Thrasymachus, Adeimantus, and Cleitophon. Of these, the chief characters are Glaucon and Adeimantus; the others speak little –if at all – beyond the first book. Others are present, but do not speak during the dialogue.

* FairForItsDay: Phenomenally so in its treatment of women. Socrates, while by no means devoid of certain questionable attitudes, emphasizes several times (among other things) that the Guardians and Auxiliaries may be male or female, directly stating that women are just as capable of possessing the required virtues (justice, courage, fortitude, intelligence, et cetera) as men. Consider that it would be more than 2000 years before women would even achieve suffrage, and his argument becomes pretty damn impressive... that said, it's fairly depressing that that alone merits a description as "impressive"...

* HighOctaneNightmareFuel: Didn't expect to see it here, huh? Well, in Book 2, Glaucon uses the story of Gyges's ring to make a point. He explains to Socrates that the [[RingOfPower ring]] would allow its user to turn [[InvisibilityCloak invisible]] [[LordOfTheRings (yeah, I know,) this concept would get used again later]]. The user, despite whether they are just or unjust, would inevitably abuse its power. They would steal from, [[DeadlyGuest kill]], or ''RAPE'' whomever they wish.

* ValuesDissonance: Values have changed since the days of ancient Greece, to put it lightly.

Well, if you insist. ''The Republic'' is perhaps the most well-known dialogue of the ancient Greek philosopher {{Plato}}, offering profound contemplation on the meaning of justice, and whether the just or the unjust man is happier in life. The work is split into ten separate books, making it one of Plato's longer pieces. Like most of Plato's dialogues, ''The Republic'' centers on Plato's teacher, the celebrated {{Socrates}}. The other characters in the dialogue are Glaucon, Polemarchus, Cephalus, Thrasymachus, Adeimantus, and Cleitophon. Of these the chief characters are Glaucon and Adeimantus; the others speak little –if at all – beyond the first book. Others are present, but do not speak during the dialogue.

The dialogue begins as Socrates and Glaucon are invited to a gathering at the home of Polemarchus. Upon arrival Socrates begins conversing with Polemarchus’ father Cephalus. During this talk Cephalus comments upon the benefits of justice, prompting Socrates to pose the question for which he is probably best remembered: “What ''is'' justice?” Cephalus (perhaps wisely) excuses himself from the discussion at this point, and it is taken up by Polemarchus and later Thrasymachus, who each have their own definitions of justice. Socrates responds with his renowned Socratic Method: instead of openly contradicting their definitions, he asks a series of questions regarding their specifics until their inherent contradictions become apparent. Polemarchus soon abandons his definition, and though Thrasymachus is regarded as one of Socrates’ more formidable opponents he eventually does likewise.

When Thrasymachus yields, Glaucon and his brother Adeimantus take his place, not convinced by Socrates’ reasoning. Socrates therefore suggests a bold thought experiment: the three of them will devise a hypothetical society which is perfectly just and analyze what ''makes'' it just, then deduce from there what justice means. The rest of the dialogue is dedicated to the conception of this hypothetical republic, as Socrates describes it in minute detail and goes to great lengths to explain his reasoning. Along the way, Socrates determines that a just society is one in which each individual concerns himself with his own business and no one else’s, that a just person is one whose emotions do not overwhelm his reason, and that acting justly leads to happiness while acting unjustly leads to unhappiness.

Socrates' idea of a perfect society may not sound so great to modern audiences, but it isn't his conclusions so much as his process that makes ''The Republic'' so interesting. Socrates is logical and methodical. He is concerned less with coming to an answer quickly than with coming to the correct answer in the end. He considers no detail obvious or unimportant, and examines everything. And most strikingly, he doesn't allow himself to get carried away, constantly pausing to make sure that his friends agree with his reasoning. This is Socrates in all his humble glory, providing a shining example for studiers of philosophy even today, and that is why ''The Republic'' has endured as a philosophical masterpiece for so many centuries.

* FanFic[=/=]RealPersonFic: Most of Plato's works amount to fanfics of Socrates' life, [[FanFicRecommendations that being said...]]
* FairForItsDay: Phenomenally so in its treatment of women. Socrates, while by no means devoid of certain questionable attitudes, emphasises several times (among other things) that the Guardians may be male or female, directly stating that women are just as capable of possessing the required virtues (justice, courage, fortitude, intelligence et cetera) as men. Consider that it would be more than 2000 years before women would even achieve suffrage, and his argument becomes pretty damn impressive . . . . that said, it's fairly depressing that that alone merits a description as "impressive" . . . .

* HighOctaneNightmareFuel: Didn't expect to see it here, huh? Well, in Book 2 Glaucon uses the story of Gyge's ring to make a point. He explains to Socrates that the [[RingOfPower ring]] would allow it's user to turn [[InvisibilityCloak invisible]] [[LordOfTheRings (yeah, I know) ]]. The user, despite whether they are just or unjust, would inevitably abuse it's power. They would steal from, [[DeadlyGuest kill]], or RAPE whomever they wish.

* HighOctaneNightmareFuel: Didn't expect to see it here, huh? Well, in Book 2 Glaucon uses the story of Gyge's ring to make a point. He explains to Socrates that the [[RingOfPower ring]] would allow it's user to turn [[InvisibilityCloak invisible]] [[LordOfTheRings (yeah, I know) ]]. The user, despite weather they are just or unjust, would inevitably abuse it's power. They would steal from, [[DeadlyGuest kill]], or RAPE whomever they wish.

* FairForItsDay: Phenomenally so in its treatment of women. Socrates, while by no means devoid of certain questionable attitudes, emphasises several times (among other things) that the Guardians may be male or female, directly stating that women are just as capable of possessing the required virtues (justice, courage, fortitude, intelligence et cetera) as men. Consider that it would be more than 2000 years before women would even achieve suffrage, and his argument becomes pretty damn impressive.

* FanFic Most of Plato's works amount to fanfics of Socrates' life, [[FanFicRecommendations that being said...]]

* FairForItsDay: Phenomenally so on the subject of feminism. Socrates, while by no means devoid of certain questionable attitudes towards women, emphasises several times that the Guardians may be male or female, directly stating that women are just as capable of possessing the required virtues (justice, courage, fortitude, intelligence et cetera) as men. Consider that it would be more than 2000 years before women would even achieve suffrage, and his argument becomes pretty damn impressive.

* FairForItsDay: Phenomenally so on the subject of feminism. Socrates, while by no means devoid of certain questionable attitudes towards women, emphasises several times that the Guardians may be male or female, directly stating that women are just as capable of possessing the required virtues (justice, courage, fortitude, intelligence et cetera) as men.

* FanFic Most of Plato's works amount to fanfics of Socrate's life, [[FanFicRecommendations that being said...]]

* DemocracyIsBad (Socrates believes it is one step away from tyranny.)

* GoodFeelsGood (A just man is happier than an unjust man.)

* {{Invisibility}} (The Ring of Gyges parable)
* PerfectPacifistPeople (The hypothetical republic embraces pacifism... for the most part.)
* {{Utopia}} (The point of the dialogue is to define one.)
* UtopiaJustifiesTheMeans (Some of the utopia's laws are actually horrifying by today's standards.)
* ValuesDissonance (Values have changed since the days of ancient Greece, to put it lightly.)
* WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity (Socrates claims that philosophers make the best rulers because they can avoid this.)
* YesMan All the other characters there amount to saying "Yes, Socrates, you are right" after everything Socrates says