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Question: Help in Understanding The Republic- Plato!?
Hi, I just need some help with the reading "The Republic" by Plato!. I am basically understanding everything, but have some problems with the study questions from my review sheet!. We never actually had the reading, but just had to attend the lecture, but it was not explained all that clearly!.
So, I would still like someone to clarify the following from "The Republic"
-the danger of poetry and tragic poetry -> I understand that Poets are banished from Socrates' republic because they portray falsehoods and appeal to our emotions and baser instincts in a way that corrupts us!. Can someone please elaborate on that!?
-Importance of reason
-Fear of passions
-Philisopher vs Philisopher kings!?

Thank you for your help guys!.Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Poetry is not committed to truth; it is committed to the rhetorically striking!. Therefore a well said lie is better poetry than an awkwardly expressed truth!. Poetry varies the new and original for its own sake; life doesn't want that!.

Reason tells one how to live and endure!. Passions pass, reason endures, Therefore one should be wary of one's emotions, since they can be excited by the false and since if excited by the true they may not last!.

Rule should vary as the truth is understood, not as the will of the leader may desire!.Www@QuestionHome@Com