The Intelligent Troglodyte’s Guide to Plato’s Republic, 2016a

64 Compulsory Service for Philosophers
See 519b-521b. To understand the form of the good is to become wise, and wise
philosophers will understand and appreciate that justice requires them to do their
proper job for the flourishing of the city. Besides, they realize they owe a debt to
the city for their upbringing. Therefore, although ruling a city is not as pleasant as
remaining in undisturbed contemplation of the eternal nature of things, enlightened
philosophers will nonetheless accept the responsibility and return to the cave as
politicians. As individuals, they may be happier philosophizing all the time, but
the city as a whole will be happier with them ruling.
Ideally, what should be the motivation for someone to go into politics?
What does Socrates mean when he suggests that a true philosopher would
despise ruling? Wouldn’t this be to despise what is good?
Recalling the division of goods at the beginning of Book II, what would
Socrates consider ruling, something good for its own sake, something good
for its consequences, or both?
Is Socrates right that cities are best ruled by people “least eager to rule”?
Can a person go off like a hermit and philosophize outside of society, or
does the activity of philosophy require the kind of interaction that only a
city can provide?
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