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Khuzaima Malik
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Literary Criticism

Assignment Topic:-
“Plato’s Views on Poets and Poetry”
Group 7
BS English Language and Literature
Group Members:-
1. Khuzaima Ashraf
2. Areeba Moazzam
3. Sawaira Alam
4. Laiba Noreen
5. Fozia Nisar
6. Aleeza Sheraz
7. Uzma Khan
8. Laiba Hussain

Introduction to Plato:-
Plato was born in Athens, Greece in the year 428 B.C. towards the end of what is known as
the Golden Age of Pericles Athens. Having been born into a socially elite family, with noble
Athenian blood from both parents, Plato was allowed pursuit of various opportunities.
Aristocles was the real birth name of Plato, as the latter was first given as just a nickname.
“Plato” is thought to have come from the young Aristocles’ wrestling coach due to his broad
shoulders; “platon” is Greek for “broad.” Plato was raised during the Peloponnesian War of
432-404 B.C.
General Philosophical Views of Plato:-
Plato’s philosophical framework encompasses various concepts, theories, and ideas that form
his distinct philosophical system.
Core Concepts:
1. Theory of Forms:
Plato believed in the existence of abstract, eternal, and perfect Forms or Ideas, which
underlie the imperfect, changing world. Examples: Justice, Beauty, Goodness.
2. Allegory of the Cave:
Allegory of Cave illustrates the nature of reality, knowledge, and the human
condition, where prisoners are chained, facing shadows, symbolizing the limitations
of human perception.
3. Immortality of the Soul:
Plato believed in the pre-existence and immortality of the soul, which reincarnates
into different bodies.
4. Tripartite Soul:
Divided the soul into rational (logos), spirited (thymos), and appetitive (epithymia)
parts.
Plato’s philosophical framework has profoundly influenced Western philosophy, shaping the
development of various philosophical traditions, including Neoplatonism, Christian theology,
and modern philosophy.

Plato’s Views on Poets and Poetry:-


Plato’s Theory of Forms and ethics significantly influence his views on poets and poetry:
Theory of Forms:
1. Poetry as Imitation: Plato sees poetry as an imitation of the sensory world, which is
already an imperfect reflection of the eternal Forms.
Plato sees poetry as an imitation of the sensory world, which is already an imperfect
reflection of the eternal Forms. (Republic, 597e-598d)
2. Twice-Removed from Reality: Poetry is twice-removed from reality, as it imitates the
sensory world, which itself is an imitation of the Forms.
3. Lack of Truth: Poetry cannot convey truth, as it deals with appearances, not the eternal and
perfect Forms.
Poetry cannot convey truth, as it deals with appearances, not the eternal and perfect
Forms. (Republic, 595-596)
Ethics:
1. Moral Corruption: Plato worries that poetry can morally corrupt individuals, especially
youth, by presenting flawed role models and promoting emotions over reason.
2. Emotional Manipulation: Poetry’s emphasis on emotions can lead to irrational behaviour
and undermine the rule of reason.
3. Danger to Society: Plato fears that poetry can destabilize society by promoting
individualism and challenging authority.

Plato’s Concept of Mimesis:-


Mimesis is a Greek word , meaning “ copy, imitation, or representation”. Plato has used this
term in his book The Republican, where he ,through the character of Socrates, criticizes the
art of poetry and poets. According to him, poetry is the imitation of real existing world, which
is imitation of the ideal world in God’s mind. Thus poetry is the imitated version of reality.
In book X, Plato argues that poetry is thrice removed from the truth, and thus is deceptive:
“Imitation is a kind of game and not to be taken seriously, and the tragic poets, whether they
write in iambic or in heroic verse, are the third in succession from the throne of truth”(The
Republican, Book X,597e)
Plato thinks gives the example of a chair. The idea of chair in the carpenter’s mind is the
truth, when he makes a chair using that idea, he, somehow, removes some part of reality. And
when a painter paints a chair ,he also removes a big part of reality. Thus, art is a form of
imitation that is thrice removed version of reality.
He further argues that imitative art weakens the rational part of the soul. He writes in his
Book X:
“The imitative poet implants an evil constitution in the soul of each individual by making
images far removed from the truth and by gratifying the irrational part of soul which is unable
to distinguish greater things from lesser things, but believes the same things to be now great,
now small” (The republican, Book X, 605b)
Plato says that Art being the imitation of the Actual is removed from the truth. It only gives
the likeness of a thing in concrete, and likeness is always less than the real. But Plato fails to
explain that art has something which is absent in the actual.

Poetry’s impact on Emotion vs. Reason:-


Plato had a critical view of poets, especially when it came to their knowledge of the subjects
they wrote about. In his dialogue “Ion” Plato explains that poets do not possess true
knowledge or understanding of the topics they describe. Instead, he believed that poets rely
on divine inspiration or irrational creativity, rather than reasoned, philosophical thinking.
Plato saw this as a problem because, while poets might create beautiful or emotionally
moving works, they often lacked the deeper insight or expertise needed to truly understand
the issues they were writing about.
In “Ion” Plato argues that poets are more like vessels of inspiration rather than sources of
wisdom. He compares the poet’s creativity to a kind of divine madness, where they are
carried away by emotions or inspiration from the gods, rather than drawing on rational
thought. As Plato writes, “For the poet is an airy thing, winged and holy, and he cannot make
poetry until he becomes inspired and out of his senses” . He suggests that this inspiration
allows poets to write about subjects such as war, love, or politics without having real
knowledge of these matters, simply because they are moved by some external, irrational
force.
This lack of true understanding, according to Plato, means that poets cannot offer meaningful
insights or guidance in these areas. Since they are not experts and do not use logical or
philosophical methods, their work may be emotionally stirring but lacks depth. Plato believed
that this reliance on inspiration rather than reason made poetry unreliable and potentially
misleading. He thought that true wisdom and knowledge could only come from rational,
philosophical inquiry, not from the kind of spontaneous creativity poets often celebrated.
Thus, Plato saw poets as disconnected from the truth, presenting ideas based more on feelings
than on reason or expertise, and he was wary of the influence such art could have on society.

Plato’s Critique of Poetry and Morality:-


Poetry's Influence on Society:
● In ancient Greece, poetry was a primary means of education and shaping cultural
values.
● Plato viewed poetry as powerful, especially in shaping the moral development of the
young.
Depictions of Gods and Heroes:
● Poets often portray gods and heroes engaging in immoral acts (e.g., violence, lying,
infidelity).
● Plato feared that such depictions would lead young people to imitate these unethical
behaviours.
Imitation (Mimesis) and Emotion:
● Poetry encourages imitation, not just of actions but of emotions, which can foster
irrational and immoral behaviour.
● Plato was concerned that poetry appeals to emotion over reason, undermining
rational moral judgment.
Plato’s Proposed Solution to the Dangers of Poetry
Dangerous Ideas and Emotional Influence:
● Poetry stirs emotions, potentially leading people to act based on feelings rather than
moral reasoning.
● This, Plato argued, could spread dangerous ideas and encourage undesirable
behaviour.
Censorship and Education:
● Plato advocated censorship of poetry in education, only allowing stories that promote
virtues like wisdom, courage, and justice.
● Poems that glorify vice or depict gods and heroes behaving immorally should be
excluded.
The Banishment of Poets:
● In The Republic, Plato suggests that poets should be banned from the ideal society
unless their work can be proven to have moral and philosophical value.

Plato’s View on the Poet’s Lack of Knowledge in Ion:-


In Ion, Plato critiques poets for lacking true knowledge about the subjects they write about.
He presents the idea that poets rely not on rational understanding, but on divine inspiration or
irrational creativity.
1. Poetry as Divine Inspiration:
Poets are inspired by the gods, experiencing a form of divine madness (theia mania). They act
as vessels, conveying messages from the divine without fully comprehending their own work.
2. Lack of Expertise in Subject Matter:
Plato emphasizes that poets are not experts in the fields they write about. For example, a poet
may write about war, politics, or love, but they do not possess the practical knowledge or
experience of a general, statesman, or lover.
3. Lack of Rational Knowledge:
Unlike philosophers, who use reason and inquiry to seek truth, poets do not possess deep
knowledge of their subjects. Their creativity is emotionally driven, rather than rooted in
rational, intellectual thought.
4. Socratic Challenge in Ion:
Socrates challenges Ion, a rhapsode, on whether he truly understands Homer’s verses. Ion
admits that his skill in reciting comes from inspiration rather than expertise in the subject
matter.
5. Plato’s Critique:
Plato argues that poets cannot be trusted to provide knowledge because their work is
irrational and driven by emotion. Philosophers, who rely on reason, are better suited to guide
society.
6. Magnet Analogy:
Plato compares divine inspiration to a magnet: the divine (magnet) influences the poet (first
Ring), the poet influences the rhapsode (second ring), and the rhapsode influences the
audience (third ring). None of them have true knowledge of what is conveyed.

Plato’s Ideal State and Role of Poetry:-


Plato’s philosophical masterpiece, The Republic, critically examines the role of poetry in
society. Plato argues that poetry has a profound impact on individuals and society, shaping
moral character and influencing perceptions of reality. This essay will explore Plato’s critique
of poetry, his prescriptions for the ideal state, and the approved forms of poetry that align
with his vision of promoting virtue, rationality, and justice.
Plato’s Critique of Poetry:
Plato critiques poetry for three primary reasons:
1. Imitation (Mimesis): Poetry imitates reality, rather than presenting truth. This can lead
to a distorted view of reality, causing individuals to prioritize appearances over truth.
2. Emotional Manipulation: Poetry appeals to emotions, rather than reason. This can
lead to irrational decision-making and undermine critical thinking.
3. Morally Corrupting: Poetry can promote immoral ideas and behaviours, corrupting
individuals’ moral character.
These criticisms underscore Plato’s concern that poetry can have a detrimental impact on
individuals and society.
Prescriptions for the Ideal State:
To promote virtue, rationality, and justice, Plato prescribes:
1. Banning or Censoring Poets: Those who promote immoral or irrational ideas should
be banned or censored to prevent harm to society.
2. Allowing Approved Poetry: Poetry that celebrates virtue, justice, and rationality
should be encouraged to promote a harmonious and morally upright society.
Approved Forms of Poetry:
Plato would allow four forms of poetry:
1. Hymns to the Gods: Poetic praises to the divine promote reverence and piety.
2. Praise Poetry: Celebrating virtuous individuals inspires moral emulation.
3. Epic Poetry: Moral lessons and stories promote virtue and justice.
4. Patriotic Poetry: Inspiring civic duty and unity fosters social harmony.
Key Principles
Plato’s ideal state prioritizes:
1. Rationality: Reason over emotion ensures wise decision-making.
2. Virtue: Moral character development promotes individual and societal flourishing.
3. Justice: Social harmony and fairness ensure a well-ordered society.
Conclusion:
In Plato’s ideal state, poetry plays a crucial role in promoting virtue, rationality, and justice.
By censoring or banning poets who undermine these values, Plato aims to create a
harmonious and morally upright society.
Supporting Quotes from The Republic:-
- “Poetry is a dangerous and corrupting influence.” (Book X, 595a)
- “The poet is a maker of images, not a maker of truth.” (Book X, 599a)
- “We must be careful about the stories we tell our children.” (Book II, 377b)

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