Philosophy essay
The state of Athens during 427 ? 347 B.C. was loosely governed under the principle of democracy, allowing the individual (excluding women and slaves) freedom of choice and a right to be part of the political process. Plato, an Athenian philosopher, observed this scene as detrimental, claiming that people governed by democracy are free to indulge their appetitive nature, therefore rendering their souls impure. The Noble Lie was a product of Plato whom believed that each man must accept his place and status in a harmonious order, so as to render themselves ?more inclined to care for the state and one another' (reference.) The idea of the lie however lacks the principles of Plato's arguments for a state controlled by rationality, suggesting instead that not only were additional principles necessary, but that the ideas behind one grand unreasoned myth could prove beneficial. There may be modern parallels to the noble lie that have successfully come about, but it is evident that Plato's lie is and will remain an inapplicable concept.
Upon introducing his ?Phoenician Tale' (reference.), Plato is unsure whether or not its suggestion has merit, as the lie is blatantly unachievable. Acknowledging to himself that the lie has credible ideals, he proceeds to tell the story of men who were not born conventionally, but were rather moulded below the earth as god instilled in them either gold, silver or iron/brass. The earth then delivered the men as if it were their mother. On occasions, a golden father may beget a brass son, or visa versa, in which case no pity or envy shall be administered, and the son will be assigned a position to which he is suited. This situation would supposedly instil in the men a desire to defend their mother and protect their ...