Study Questions for Exam (SL &
HL) -- Plato: The Republic, Books IV–IX
· Explain and discuss Plato’s simile of the divided line.
· Explain and discuss the nature of
belief and knowledge.
· Explain and discuss the differences
that Plato draws between ‘knowledge’ and ‘belief’.
· Explain and discuss the relationship
between knowledge and the Good. Critically evaluate the role ‘the Good’ plays
in knowledge.
· Explain and evaluate why
understanding of Forms, and above all of the Good, is the essential
prerequisite for attaining justice in the State.
· “The power to approach Beauty and
behold it as itself is rare indeed.” Discuss and critically evaluate.
· Evaluate the extent to which living
a life according to moral principles is necessary for the construction of the
just city.
· Explain and discuss the qualities of
the ideal ruler.
· Critically evaluate the qualities of
the philosopher and what qualifies the philosopher to rule in the state.
· Explain and discuss the role of
education in Plato’s Ideal State.
· Explain and discuss the analogy
between justice in the individual soul and justice in the city.
· “When the poor rule, the result is
democracy.” Discuss and critically evaluate.
· Explain why the road to tyranny
where the worst person rules begins in Plato’s ideal state where the best
person rules.
· Why do Plato’s provisions for
political authority in the State continue to appall and attract?
· Explain and discuss why the ruler of
the ideal State is the person in whom political power and philosophy come into
the same hands.
· “Plato’s views of the ideal, perfect
society and the character and place of the individual in that society provide
standards according to which the problems of any existing society can be
remedied.” Critically discuss this statement.
· Is it the case that Plato believes
that rulers are born, not made? Discuss.
· Plato argues effectively for the
construction of an ideal state. Is it necessary that anyone other than the
philosopher understand the reasons for the structure of the republic?