Book 1

1. Using “natural” as the definition of just, construct an argument in favor of the rule of the tyrant, drawing upon Thrasymachus’ arguments.

2. Which of the definitions of justice presented in this section do you find most compelling? Explain them, comparing their relative advantages and disadvantages.

Book 2

1. What argument supports Socrates’ desire for a separate class of soldiers? Why might this be a bad idea? What other reasons might support it?

2. What elements of a child’s life are most influential on its character? Is Socrates right about the need to control the type of stories a child hears?

Book 3

1. Contrast Socrates’ description of the Iliad’s influence on Athenian values with the values he wishes to teach. Which values does he not discuss that are important to a good state? Why are these values important?

2. Why does Socrates criticize an excess of lawsuits? How does legal activity reflect the health of the state, in your opinion?

Book 4

1. Explain Socrates’ justification of the limitation of the activities of the members of the state. How does this relate to justice in the individual? Does this argument work in both cases?

2. Contrast the function of happiness in a free-market society with that of happiness in the city in speech. Does happiness have a value in the state, and, if so, what is it?

Book 5

1. How does Plato feel familial relations affect the state? What should their place be, in your opinion?

2. Is war a natural or unnatural state? How does Plato feel about this question? Substantiate Plato’s view with textual support.

Book 6

1. Plato asserts that the rule of the philosopher-king will be good. What problems do you see in his argument?

2. What is Plato’s opinion of the common man? How does this reflect his view on equality?

Book 7

1. Apply the allegory of the cave to modern society. What would the images be? Who would control them? What would the escapee see outside of the cave?

2. Explain Socrates’ curriculum as it applies to the simile of the divided line.

Book 8

1. Examine Plato’s critique of democracy. How do his complaints challenge modern norms? Which, if any, of his critiques has validity?

2. What elements of Spartan society does Plato criticize? How does he attempt to safeguard his ideal state from these evils?

Book 9

1. Defend one of the four “degenerate” characters as having the most pleasant life. Include and respond to Plato’s critique of this life.

2. Is philosophy the highest good? Why does Plato think it is? Construct an alternate highest good and defend it against philosophy.

Book 10

1. Examining the Republic as a whole, explain whether Plato’s view of human nature is that it is essentially good or essentially evil.

2. Explain Socrates’ argument in favor of justice for its own sake. Is this strong enough to defeat the definitions of justice presented at the beginning of the Republic?