Plato Republic Response Paper
INSTRUCTIONS:
You are to write a one-page, single-spaced, 12-point font, typewritten response addressing the prompt below. Since this is a response paper, you must address how Plato’s position, in your reading, is legitimate. For response paper genre see “Duke University” handout available on BB.
Citation, direct and indirect, should refer to Stephanus line number and letter.
As a general rule, keep direct quote to less than 10% of written material. Grading will be based on thoughtfulness, logical connection of quoted text with what’s available from what we’ve read, what I perceive as reflectiveness in regards to the prompt, and the quality of interpretation. For these informal assignments, grammar matters, but that’s not what’s of real interest. So, ideas and interesting thoughts matter most!
Assignment is due September 24 in class or by email at dpalazzo@york.cuny.edu (hard copy in class is overwhelmingly preferred). If you email the paper, a confirmation email will be sent to you by Monday the 27th.
PROMPT:
In Book I of the Republic, Plato establishes the position that the “true ruler” doesn’t seek his own advantage, but rather the advantage of the one being ruled over. First establish Plato’s argument (see lines 340e-347e). How does he make that claim? Is his argument persuasive about rulership? Why, or why not?