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Question: Plato Questions!? 10 points!!?
I'm taking a philosophy class, and I am confused!. I need help please!

What are the three parts of Plato's soul!? What is the difference in the soul's order between the educated versus the uneducated soul!? What does the allegory of the cave say/teach about education!? What is the epistemological simile of the line and the relation of the forms to knowledge and goodness!. What is the superform!? In Plato's ideal hypothetical society, who rules and what is the qualification of the ruler!? Why!? How does Plato's ideal ruler and his or her qualifications relate to Locke's three types of governments!? Why!? Do the four natural rights help clarify or hinder the wise Platonic ruler!? Why!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
The three parts are: rational, spiritual and appetite!.

The cave allegory is directly related to the difference between the educated and uneducated soul: the educated soul leaves the cave to rescue others left behind, while the uneducated soul is still stuck in the cave!. The parallel to education is very direct!.!.!.by educating yourself, you liberate your mind thus enabling you not just to live a fuller life but also help others to do so!. That's sort of a simple explanation but it's really the point that it seems Plato is trying to make!.

As for the line, the forward context is a metaphorical representation of education and it's ability to let the bearer move forward; the backward context of sort of the opposite of it!. The simile of the line is that though the contexts are opposite, it in itself illustrates two methods of studying and shows how even something that is intelligible can lead to knowledge regardless!.

The Superform is the one from which all others derive, thus making it important!. He defines it as being the form of the "good" as well so logic would dictate that what comes from it is also good!. Except when it is bad, of course!. :) This is a complicated concept that Plato covers and can't really be explained without supporting information!. This gives you a basic definition though!.

In the hypothetical society Plato proposes, the strong would rule - this is basic of his views!. (One of the things he was known for best for what his serious disagreement with the view of Socrates on this) He also believed that in order for society to function, it must be rational!. (Not a bad idea, huh!?) So naturally, a ruler would need to be rational in order to qualify as such!.

As for Plato and Locke, the views couldn't be more different!. Plato believed in aristocracy, organized monarchy, etc!. In a nutshell, he hated democracy!. Locke was completely against divine rights/aristocracy!. He was really kind of a socialist in that he believed in the abolishment of private property etc!. This is also a complex topic!.!.!.lots of stuff to compare and contrast!.

Hope that helps a bit!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Go to Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy!.

In source box below!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Open a book!.Www@QuestionHome@Com