Truth Will Set You Free -- Or, Ignorance Is Bliss?

 In Chapter 12 Socrates argues that a moral person is a happier person than an immoral one.  Since a moral person is guided by reason, that person has a greater understanding of reality, which is the basis for true happiness.  As Socrates states in the dialogue: " . . . [T]he more real something is, the more it can be a source of true satisfaction"(585d).  Yet is Socrates correct?  Is knowledge the key to happiness?  Is it better to base one's happiness on things that are stable, long-lasting and not deceptive?  Is pleasure based on false information ever a source of happiness?  Or is ignorance bliss?

Expertise or Popularity?

 Plato criticizes democracy throughout The Republic. In Chapter 8, for example, he compares the state to a ship. He argues that it is better to have a captain knowledgeable about navigation steer the ship rather than untrained crewmembers. The crewmembers may be able to persuade the owners to let them sail the ship, but without the proper expertise, the ship will not reach its destination. In other words, Plato argues that democracy rewards popularity over expertise, but it is expertise that is essential for good government. Is he right? Consider some examples from class. Can democracy deal with such long-term issues as global warming when most people would prefer to ignore them? Can it deal with economic recovery when most citizens don't understand economic theory? Or can you give a point in democracy's favor?

The Definition of Morality

  In Chapter 6 of the Republic Socrates defines morality in terms of the proper functioning of the mind.  He states that "[i]ts sphere is a person's inner activity; it is really a matter of oneself and the parts of oneself"(443d). A person is moral if and only if the parts of her mind work together and the rational part guides and directs the other parts.  Given such a definition, Socrates proceeds to show that such a mind is healthy and a disordered mind leads to unhappiness.  Yet is Socrates' definition of morality correct?  Is that definition close to your working definition of morality?  If he fails, where or how does he fail?  Is the connection between morality and mental health as tight as Socrates argues?

Hasta La Vista Homer

 As Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger used arguments similar to Plato's in The Republic to restrict the use of violent video games for minors. Even though the law was eventually ruled unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court, is such a law morally justified? Examining ONE of Plato's arguments. Can a case be made to prohibit video games? Or is the argument flawed or not applicable to video games? Is the argument more valid as video game technology improves and the simulation of reality more seamless? Is there any form of entertainment that should be kept out of a teenager's hands (or minds)?