The Representation Of Art And Art In Plato's Republic

Plato, in the “Republic “, ambitiously sets out to prove that art imitates reality by distracting us from the truth and appeals to socially destructive emotions. He continued his statement by referring that art provides no real knowledge, and that it undermines personal and social well being. In this paper, I will argue that Plato makes an invalid implicit assumption that the representation of life through arts is dangerous and doesn’t define the truth since it uses imitation. I will demonstrate that art might be misleading and can indeed influence the development of one’s moral character; however, it can be beneficial as it purges the tragic emotions. Moreover, art, as a philosophical branch, is using the same emotive and rational methods as philosophy not only to represent the forms, but also to find the truth.

In Plato’s Republic, one of the most influencing books in history of philosophy, Plato begins with several crucial arguments. First he states that the artist produces an insubstantial “imitation” of objects in the sensible world that are themselves less real than the forms, which comprise reality itself (Plato.2009.598b). Further, he states that poesis is psychologically damaging in its subversion of reason (Plato.2009.441e).The intensity of Plato’s argument consists from his desire to supplant art as a platform for modern education in Athenian education. However, it made him miss one point. Philosophy, similarly as art, has its own methods using enchanting rhythms and charming images to influence the reader. Hence, philosophy has the same advantages and disadvantages of art. As a result, if Plato’s statement is one hundred per cent true, it would make philosophy not seeking the truth, but seeking something less than th...

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...beings can send messages and interact with people from different backgrounds as long as it represents the truth meaning of life.

The reflection of objects possessing qualities of a certain form can lead to understanding of the form itself. Art Thereby, like philosophy, both use and excel imitation in order to realize the truth. Art is, accordingly, as useful as philosophy in the development of the intellect, and in the development of the just man. Poetry, weather is good or bad, has the ability to call upon consideration of what is close to reality, for the understanding of peosis, like the practice of philosophy, involves the experience, emotion and rationalism. Therefore, since Plato himself realizes that education consists of music and poetry, poesis virtues, alongside with philosophy, is one of the most important bases for the constitution of the ideal society.