Plato Republic the Noble Lie Essay Example for Free

Plato Republic the Noble Lie Essay As with all other topics discussed in The Republic of Plato, the section in which he discusses the myths of the metals or the noble lie is layered with questioning and potential symbolism, possible contradiction, and a significant measure of allusion. In Chapter X of The Republic, Plato presents The Selection of Rulers: The Guardians Manner of Living. In it, he discusses the necessities of education as they apply to the appropriate selection of and reparation for the communitys leaders. As in other areas of The Republic, Plato carefully outlines the delineations which form the basis for the types of rulers to be installed in the state. Rulers (legislative and udicial), Auxiliaries (executive), and Craftsmen (productive and fficacious) are the titles of the categories and are based, not on birth or wealth, but on natural capacities and aspirations. Plato was convinced that children born into any class should still be moved up or down based on their merits regardless of their connections or heritage. He believes the citizens of the State will support and benefit from such a system and presents the idea in the form of an allegorical myth. His allegory was based in part on the prevalent belief that some people were literally autochthonous, born from the soil, and partly from the stories of the philosopher Hesiod who chronicled the genealogy of the gods and goddesses as well as their accomplishments and exploits. Hesiods account of the Golden, Silver, and Bronze races which had succeeded one another before the current to The Republics age of Iron forms the basis for the myths of the metals. Since the ancient Greeks were convinced that all myths were primarily the work of even more ancient poets who had been inspired by the Muses, some ther divine force, or consciously invented, the lesson in the story of the metals was to be paid attention to in order to learn the important truth (or truths) that form the core of the information to be transferred to the young and untrained mind of the future leaders in training. They must have the right sort of intelligence and ability; and also they must look upon the commonwealth as their special concern ? the sort of concern that is felt for something so closely bound up with oneself that its interests and fortunes, for good or ill, are held to be identical with ones own (The Republic of Plato X:III-412) Socrates tells Glaucon who naturally agrees. Socrates goes on to emphasize that the men that are chosen from among the Guardians must be those who are filled with enthusiasm and the determination to do the best they possibly can for the greater good of the people of the commonwealth and for the organization of the commonwealth itself. He asserts that they must never be willing to act against that collective interest. Socrates expands on his metaphor of the metals and explains that the future rulers must be fashioned as precious metals are fashioned by careful artistry and craft. But first he asks Glaucon: . . .can we devise something in the way of those convenient fictions we spoke of earlier, a single bold flight of invention, which we may induce the community in general, and if possible the Rulers themselves, to accept? (The Republic of Plato X:III-414). Such a tongue-in-cheek question, the reference to a single bold flight of invention is what has come to be known as commonly rendered by noble lie, a self-contradictory expression which is no more applicable to Platos comparatively harmless storytelling than to a 20th century political campaign publication. Such use of the noble lie suggests that he would agree to the use or be unconcerned about correcting the lies, for the most part dishonorable (certainly not noble), that are now most commonly thought to be unabashed propaganda. Returning to the metaphor of crafting precious metals, Socrates tells that while all men throughout the land are brothers, the god who was responsible for the creation of individuals chose to mix a certain measure of gold in the substance of those most fit to rule, making them the most precious. He then explains that silver was the substance added to the Auxiliaries, and iron and brass to the people who were to be a part of the commonwealth as farmers or craftsmen. Socrates, in his typical fashion, covers all possible eventualities by noting that although your children will generally be like their parents, sometimes a golden parent may have a silver child or a silver parent a golden one, and so on with al the other combinations (The Republic of Plato X:III-415). Therefore, Socrates asserts, there is nothing as important as the measure and mixture of the metals in the souls of children. He concludes that if a child is born with an strong mixture of iron or brass, it is the responsibility of the parents to assure that he finds aposition and a life that best suits his nature and they are to do so without pity or derision. Naturally, if a child is produced with gold or silver as a part of his nature, it is equally incumbent upon the arents to nurture his leadership qualities and promote him according to his worthiness and value. Socrates, however, worries aloud whether or not the general population can or will understand such a premise and Glaucon notes that it is unlikely that the idea will be understood in the first generation but that generations following and, ltimately, all of mankind, will come to understand and honor the concept of the metals. Socrates is comforted by such a reassuring thought. He is thoroughly convinced that the commonwealth will not, cannot survive if the state is passed into the dominion of a man of iron or brass. In fact, Socrates takes the allegory of the metals one step further to explain to Glaucon that the future Guardians must even be kept from concerns or desires for silver and metal since, Gold and silver, we shall tell them, they will not need, having the divine counterparts of those metals in their souls as a god-given possession (The Republic of Plato X:III-417). He goes on to say that the Guardians are not to come in contact with gold and silver and lays out a plan by which they will neither need or desire the trappings of glory and wealth since they are always clothed in gold and silver and riches as part of their inner being. He is convinced that if an individual who is a cobbler or a farmer goes to the bad and pretends to be what he is not (The Republic of Plato X:III-420) the entire well-being of the state is not in jeopardy. But such is most certainly not the case if the person is a Guardian or Auxiliary. There is no point, Socrates says, in producing a happiness like that of a party of peasants feasting at a fair. Such a person who would aspire to such a community has something in mind other than a civic community (The Republic of Plato X:III-421). Of course, Glaucon agrees.

GENDER ROLES IN LITERATURE :: essays research papers

Many people think that boys in our culture today are brought up to define their identities through heroic individualism and competition, particularly through separation from home, friends, and family in an outdoors world of work and doing. Girls, on the other hand, are brought up to define their identities through connection, cooperation, self-sacrifice, domesticity, and community in an indoor world of love and caring. This view of different male and female roles can be seen throughout children’s literature. Treasure Island and The Secret Garden are two novels that are an excellent portrayal of the narrative pattern of â€Å"boy and girl† books. When thinking of books that seem to be written specifically for young boys, Treasure Island is a book that comes to many minds. Treasure Island is the epic tale of thrill seeking and adventure. Stevenson’s main character is a small boy, Jim, who gets to go away from his mother and embark on a trip across the ocean. There are sea fearing pirates, sword fight, and bloody killings. These are typically things that interest boys. Stevenson also follows the literary pattern described by Perry Nodelman in his book, The Pleasures of Children’s Literature. He describes that many novels written by men follow a pattern when it comes to the plot of their stories. â€Å"There is an unified action that rises toward a climax and then quickly comes to an end† (Nodelman 124). Treasure Island follows this pattern. The novel moves towards the climax of finding the treasure and then ends quickly without too great of detail with how the treasure money is spent or what happens in the character’s lives. In many ways, Treasure Island exemplifies the narrative patterns of a â€Å"boy book.† On the opposite end of the spectrum, The Secret Garden seems to be written for girls. The Secret Garden’s main character is a young, orphaned girl named Mary. The story focuses on Mary finding friends, becoming a better person, and a family coming together at last. Frances Burnett seems to follow two literary patterns described by Nodleman. The first is that she seems to write more about domestic events rather than adventures. Although the garden is an adventure for Mary, planting, weeding, and tending to the garden are chores that many would associate with women. The other literary pattern she follows is how the plot is laid out. Nodelman describes plots of novels written by woman as having many less-intense climaxes rather than one.

Comparison of Two Texts

Comparison In this comparison essay I will inform and elaborate the young people regarding two texts or theme related on travel. The first text is called ‘Southeastern Railway’ and the second one is known as ‘Find your Feet’. These two texts are really relevant two classify them as’ daily essential needs’, because more or less they are getting used by everyone. The first text is about their offers they are giving to the audiences, so that they can visit some places for cheap. The second theme is about walking to school, without having to use any motor vehiclesLayout Firstly, I would like to mention about the layout of ‘Southeastern railway’. This text has been laid out in a neat form; instead of scattering the topics all over by doing this it gives the reader some various ideas about different places. Whereas, ‘Find your Feet’ text is laid out in such a way that the bold text of it would grasp the teenager’s att ention straightaway. Pictures In ‘South eastern railway’ there are many colourful pictures to inform where a person can go to visit. This leaflet/poster is really informative comparing ‘Find your Feet’.This leaflet also contains regarding those places in Kent and London which are worth visiting and it gives a person to visualize him/her of it. On the other side, ‘find your feet’ is featuring three teenagers enjoying themselves walking to school. Language The ‘Southeastern Railway’ poster literally communicates with the audience with lucid, formal and coax English, due to their attitude and expressions they’ve used in the text. This makes a person to have some ideas regarding visiting those places. It also informs the reader regarding the offer which is 20% off.Whereas, â€Å"find your feet† has featured their language in such a way that only the new generation’s kids will understand. Additionally, it makes quit e complicated for other people to get their message, since they have featured slang English slogan. â€Å"Find your Feet† has only featured brief amount of text explaining the purpose of the poster. Thus, they knew that the teenagers wouldn’t like to read a whole page of information therefore they gave out less writing. So they had to use some uses of slogans and catchy titles using alliteration Bold text/Colour South eastern railway’ is really attractive it catches a person’s attention as well as their eyes with their vibrant colours. All readers normally like to have tints of colours in their articles; therefore ‘South eastern railway’ article contained it to make it a perfect article for a reader to read. The south eastern railway’ leaflet contains number of pictures in Kent and London, which is worth visiting and involve ones self in various activities. This gives a person to have visualization and think that if it is worth visitin g. Otherwise it is useless if there was no picture or anything.Nevertheless, ‘find your feet’ has primary colours to show that this poster is for teenagers. Subheadings ‘South eastern railway’ article gave more subheadings which makes the reader more enthusiastic in reading the article. So that he/she will know what part they are reading without having to look at it full in detail. Unlike ‘find your feet’ is just a full page picture containing teenagers being active and enjoying themselves walking to school. So this leaflet is really short to read. Visiting Places ‘South eastern Railway’ article informs lots of places, which is worth visiting.Thus, the author gave offers where a person can go and visit Kent or London. To visit either of these places a person can read a brief information regarding those places . Whereas, ‘find your feet’ has alliteration and a slogan where is again persuading by saying that ‘ditch the ride and walk to school’. It is also telling the audiences to go to school, where they go everyday which is not something new. Moreover, on ‘South eastern railway’ the author has featured two trains, one is fast and other is normal. Fast trains are for to visit big towers as well as cities.On the other side the small trains are for to visit the small towers and small cities. Purpose ‘South eastern Railway’ is really essential for everyday use as it is mentioned above, and their purpose is to persuade the adults to use trains to visit various places as part of their break. They can also take the privilege of their new offers which is 20% off from their original price. Whereas, the second theme/text has a lot of differences in comparing their colours, purpose, audiences etc. Their purpose is to make the teenagers walk to school, instead of using any motor vehicles or transports.The reason being is that, so that they can have healthy life and have a bit of time with their friends as its mentioned in the poster. Similarities Colour In ‘Southeastern Railway’ leaflet contains colourful pictures to show the beauty of those places which are worth to visit. This is another way to make the article interesting and it also gives you the chance to visualize, because without them it would look very dull and boring. On the other side, ‘fid your feet’ has use of primary colours to show the inspiration to the audiences to follow their message. Bold TextAdditionally, ’South eastern Railway’ leaflet gave out numerous amounts of bold texts and headings, so that the reader can have an impact on it. Not only that they have opened their website, so that the others can also have a look at their detailed information such as: 20% off offer, places to visit, off peak times etc. Conclusion In conclusion, it is a great idea to have these various types of colours to communicate with the audiences. That is what â €˜Southeastern railway’ and ‘Find your feet’ in order to get the audience’s attention. It is recommendable to add the extra features and formal style of English to communicate with the reader.

Benjamin Banneker the Astronomer Who Surveyed the U.S. Capital

Benjamin Banneker was an African-American astronomer, clockmaker, and publisher who was instrumental in surveying the District of Columbia. He used his interest and knowledge of astronomy to create almanacs that contained information about the motions of the Sun, Moon, and planets.   Early Life Benjamin Banneker was born in Maryland on November 9, 1731. His maternal grandmother, Molly Walsh emigrated from England to the colonies as an indentured servant in bondage for seven years. At the end of that time, she bought her own farm near Baltimore along with two other slaves. Later, she freed the slaves and married one of them. Formerly known as Banna Ka, Mollys husband had changed his name to Bannaky. Among their children, they had a daughter named Mary. When Mary Bannaky grew up, she also purchased a slave, Robert, who, like her mother, she later freed and married. Robert and Mary Bannaky were the parents of Benjamin Banneker. Molly used the Bible to teach Marys children to read. Benjamin excelled in his studies and was also interested in music. He eventually learned to play the flute and violin. Later, when a Quaker school opened nearby, Benjamin attended it during the winter. There, he learned to write and gained a basic knowledge of mathematics. His biographers disagree on the amount of formal education he received, some claiming an 8th-grade education, while others doubt he received that much. However, few dispute his intelligence. At the age of 15, Banneker took over the operations for his family farm. His father, Robert Bannaky, had built a series of dams and watercourses for irrigation, and Benjamin enhanced the system to control the water from the springs (known around as Bannaky Springs) that supplied the farms water. At the age of 21, Bannekers life changed when he saw a neighbors pocket watch. (Some say the watch belonged to Josef Levi, a traveling salesman.) He borrowed the watch, took it apart to draw all its pieces, then reassembled it and returned it running to its owner. Banneker then carved large-scale wooden replicas of each piece, calculating the gear assemblies himself. He used the parts to make the first wooden clock in the United States. It continued to work, striking each hour, for more than 40 years. An Interest in Watches and Clock Making: Driven by this fascination, Banneker turned from farming to watch and clock making. One customer was a neighbor named George Ellicott, a surveyor. He was so impressed with his Bannekers work and intelligence, he lent him books on mathematics and astronomy. With this help, Banneker taught himself astronomy and advanced mathematics. Starting about 1773, he turned his attention to both subjects. His study of astronomy enabled him to make the calculations to predict solar and lunar eclipses. His work corrected some errors made by experts of the day. Banneker went on to compile an ephemeris, which became the  Benjamin Banneker  Almanac. An ephemeris is a listing or table of the positions of celestial objects and where they appear in the sky at given times during a year. The Almanac can included an ephemeris, plus other useful information for sailors and farmers. Bannekers ephemeris also listed tables of tides at various points around the Chesapeake Bay region. He published that work y early from 1791 through 1796 and eventually became known as the Sable Astronomer. In 1791, Banneker sent then Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, a copy of his first almanac along with an eloquent plea for justice for African Americans, calling on the colonists personal experience as slaves of Britain and quoting Jeffersons own words. Jefferson was impressed and sent a copy of the almanac to the Royal Academy of Sciences in Paris as evidence of the talent of blacks. Bannekers almanac helped convince many that he and other blacks were not intellectually inferior to whites. Also in 1791, Banneker was hired to assist brothers Andrew and Joseph Ellicott as part of a six-man team to help design the new capital city, Washington, DC. This made him the first African-American presidential appointee. In addition to his other work, Banneker published a treatise on bees, did a mathematical study on the cycle of the seventeen-year locust (an insect whose breeding and swarming cycle peaks every seventeen years), and wrote passionately about the anti-slavery movement. Over the years, he played host many distinguished scientists and artists. Although he had predicted his own death at age 70, Benjamin Banneker actually survived another four years. His last walk (accompanied by a friend) came on October 9, 1806. He felt ill and went home to rest on his couch and died. Bannekers memorial still exists at the Westchester Grade School in the Ellicott City/Oella region of Maryland, where Banneker spent his entire life except for the Federal survey. Most of his possessions were lost in a fire set by arsonists after he died, although a journal and some candle molds,   a table, and a few other items remained. These remained in the family until the 1990s, when they were purchased and then donated to the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis. In 1980, the US Postal Service issued a postage stamp in his honor. Edited by Carolyn Collins Petersen.