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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page essay that discusses the first book of Plato's Republic and whether or not Socrates' method of teaching is consistent with the principle of being open-minded. The writer argues that it does. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khplsoom.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
just summarily rejected when they do not fit with previously held biases. In reviewing Jonathan Lears book on Platos Republic, Rethy (2000) points out that this scholar asserts that Socrates
life epitomizes the capacity to be open-minded. Examination of the Republics Book 1 demonstrates how this assertion fits with Socrates method of elenchus, that is, logically refuting the positions of
others. As this dialogue demonstrates, Socrates method of interrogation shows how all assumptions have to be questioned and evaluated, not simply assumed by a member of a society to be
correct. In Book I of the Republic, Socrates posses the question of "What is justice?" to various friends, beginning with Cephalus, the aging father of Polemarchus. Cephalus, as rich,
well-respected elder of the city, offers the definition of justice that is consistent with Greek tradition, which is that justice means taking responsibility for ones legal obligations and being
honest. While on the surface, this sort of statement is irrefutable, Socrates offers a scenario in which it clearly does not apply. This hypothetical situation proposes that you borrow a
weapon from someone whom you later learn is a madman. In the legal sense the weapon belongs to another, and there is the obligation to return it. However, to return
a weapon to the hands of a madman is obviously unjust. Taylor (2003) comments on how this refutation of Cephalus position demonstrates that justice, that is, "doing right," is "inherently
contextual in nature" and dependent upon the particular circumstances surrounding the actions in question. At this point, Cephalus excuses himself and his son Polemarchus takes up the argument. Polemarchus
offers a new definition for justice, which is that one owes friends help and enemies harm. Polemarchus says that justice "must be the skill that enables us to help and
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