Comparison Allegory of the Cave and the Myth of the Metals

Allegory to Myth In the Republic, Plato uses reason to model the ultimate form of civilization where everyone achieves his/her human potential. This should not be confused with individual equality, for Plato sees a harmonious and virtuous community where citizens are under a hierarchy and working together for the greater good of the state. The question, however, remains: How does one achieve Plato’s ideal state when there is evil and deception in the world? In answering this question, Plato puts forth two arguments: an allegory to describe the complexities and necessities of reality, and a royal lie to carry out the ideal form of civilization. In this paper, I argue Plato’s Allegory of the Cave justifies the need for a royal lie found in†¦show more content†¦Thus, what the philosopher knows cannot be transmitted to the cave dwellers in a simple manner. Since the cave dwellers neither see the way to a good life nor are capable of getting there, the philosopher m ust create a royal lie such as the Myth of the Metals to the communicate with the non-philosopher. In the Myth of the Metals, people are born with gold, silver, or bronze. These metals determine the role each individual will carry out in their state; gold being guardian or governing body, silver being auxiliary or soldier, and bronze being the working class. Because Plato believes everyone is different in nature, it serves as the justification for the Myth of the Metals where the essential parts of society are assigned to individuals at birth. By placing individuals to their highest natural aptitude (guardian, soldier, and worker) they are able to reach human potential and represent the ideal state. This, Plato suggests, is the philosopher’s best method of prescribing a common belief structure within the cave, and more importantly the royal lie to communicate with the non-philosopher. Although a royal lie may seem a true lie, what distinguishes them is that a true lie is meant to harm, while a royal lie is intended for the good of society. In comparison to a tyrantShow MoreRelatedThe Statement For The Politics Of Plato s Kallipolis2360 Words   |  10 PagesThe absence of reason is where persuasion is most powerful Question: The analogy Socrates and his companions make between the just city and the just person falls apart on close inspection. The commoners and auxiliaries are persuaded by the myth of the metals that the guardians are best suited to rule, but it s nonsensical to believe that spirit and appetite can be persuaded of anything. After all, they are merely constituent parts of the soul (the parts lacking a deliberative capacity). OnlyRead MorePlatos Republic3750 Words   |  15 PagesRulers = guardians. To ensure that no one argues who should rule, \socrates suggests telling citizens fixtions ... such as the myth of the metals. Says that all citizens of teh city were born out of earth, pursuades patriotic. Bodies filled with metals.. Rulers - gold, auxiliaries - silver, producers - bronze or iron. City cant be ruled wth somone mixed with wrong metal.. or city ruined. - Guardians all live together in housing from city - no wages and cannot hold private wealth or property - supported