Glaucon Vs Socrates

The passage is a conversation between Socrates and Glaucon regarding how a Republic should be ruled. Glaucon listens intently while Socrates articulates his ideas regarding, philosophy, wisdom, and fundamental values of creating a republic. Clearly, Socrates knows in reality that what you desire is not always what you achieve. The two agree they may have to be content with less than perfection

Socrates puts forth the idea that a Republic should be ruled by philosophers, or kings should pursue wisdom. He believed that a ruler must possess both political power and a love of wisdom in order to create a true republic. Those that did not possess both these qualities should be excluded from ruling as it would lead to corruption as it had in existing

republics.
Both Socrates and Glaucon know this sort of concept is going to anger many people who are influential and have power. It could be dangerous for the both of them. The two try to come up with an approach to explain that some by nature are more suited to pursue wisdom than others. Thereby, those people would be more likely able to create and maintain a secure republic for the happiness and freedom for all the populace.
Those who embrace being are lovers of wisdom.

A philosopher is someone who loves wisdom, not just part of it, but all of it. A true philosopher feels he has never attained enough knowledge or wisdom. He is always curious, wants to learn more and is anxious to know the truth. He can never get his fill of knowledge, wisdom, and truth.

Socrates attempts to clarify a real philosopher from one who only resembles one. Their dialogue includes philosophical discussions regarding opinion and knowledge; beauty and ugliness; justice and injustice; goodness and badness; and the distinctions between them and how they manifest in actions verses appearance. This is how Socrates, distinguishes those who love of spectacle and crave action, “dilettantes”; from those who love wisdom,” or philosophers.

Socrates and Glaucon try to think of ways to approach the subject at hand, the rule of a republic, with those in power without raising resentment, quarrels and anger. They must be gentle. No one embraces the suggestion that they are wrong in their opinion. It would be best to pacify the people by making them feel that their opinions are important. Nonetheless, Socrates equates opinions as, “an intermediate between knowledge and

ignorance,”....
Socrates feels he must put his ideas and concepts forward regardless of the consequences. Glaucon will intercede with answers that will placate those who may be angered by his speech. With that, the exchange ends for the time being. We will have to read the rest of the book to know what happens next and if a true republic ever realized?

Opinion

Upon the first reading the passage was very hard to understand.

I had no background knowledge or information on the subject, little of the dialogue made sense, and although I had heard of Plato and Socrates, I knew very little about them. However, after some research regarding the names mentioned, and the time frame, reading of the passage became easier and more understandable.

I agree with most of Socrates’ concepts, however I don’t believe that a true republic, as he imagined it, can ever be established by man here on earth. His belief in philosophy and man’s ability to acquire wisdom as the answer to most all questions is at odds with my Christian beliefs. Man will never have the wisdom to govern in the manner Socrates describes. We know that as the Bible states in Psa_111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth

forever.
Here in the United States we have what is probably the most republic-like government that was ever created. Nevertheless, the people of this nation have never had the imagined freedom and happiness that Socrates spoke of. From the very beginning slavery was a part of our culture. That would not be a part of any ideal republic. Now, those who work for a living are expected to take care of a growing number of the population, even those who are able bodied men and women. Doesn’t sound much like a republic and neither is it biblical. 2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
My opinion no man is perfect nor has the wisdom and understanding to create the kind of society that Socrates and Glaucon discussed. There is only one who perfect, and there will never be a just and fair government until our Lord of lords and King of kings, Jesus Christ, returns. Then we will experience true happiness that man cannot ever create.