Plato's Republic | Book 3 Summary and Analysis

1. Educating the Guardians: Failings of Poetry (386–392c)

Summary
Socrates adds that, because bravery in war is necessary, children must not be taught to be afraid of death. Stories that portray “Hades’ domain” as “full of terror” will be banned, as well as laments by heroes (386b). Socrates cites many passages from the Iliad and the Odyssey that would not be permitted. Further constraints will be put on literature to discourage laughter and lying and encourage self-restraint.

Analysis
Socrates’ critique of Homer...


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