In Plato’s philosophical work, particularly in his famous dialogue “The Republic,” he presents a vision of an ideal state governed by philosopher-kings.

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Within this ideal state, Plato advocates for the exclusion of certain groups of people, including artists, from the ruling class and from influencing the citizens. There are several reasons why Plato argues for keeping artists away from the ideal state:

Mimetic Critique:

Plato raises concerns about the mimetic nature of art. He contends that artists, by imitating the physical world, create representations that are twice removed from the realm of reality. According to Plato, the artist’s work is a copy of an already imperfect world, and therefore, it is a mere imitation of reality. This, he believes, can lead people away from understanding the true Forms or Ideas.

Illusion and Deception:

Plato is critical of art’s potential to deceive and create illusions. He argues that artists, particularly poets and dramatists, have the ability to evoke strong emotions in their audiences. However, these emotions may be based on false representations, and the audience may mistake the illusions presented in art for reality. Plato is concerned that such emotional responses may cloud rational judgment.

Influence on the Soul:

Plato’s philosophy is deeply concerned with the well-ordered soul and the pursuit of knowledge. He believes that exposure to certain types of art, particularly tragic poetry, can have a negative impact on the soul. Emotionally charged art forms, according to Plato, can disrupt the harmony of the soul, leading individuals away from reason and virtue.

Misrepresentation of Virtue:

Plato is skeptical about the ability of artists to accurately represent virtues in their works. He argues that artists may not possess the knowledge or understanding required to depict virtue properly. Plato is concerned that art could present distorted or misleading portrayals of virtuous behavior, potentially leading citizens astray in their moral education.

Advocacy for Rational Education:

Plato places a strong emphasis on rational education, where individuals are guided by reason and pursue knowledge of the eternal Forms. He believes that the influence of artists, with their focus on sensory experience and emotional appeal, can distract individuals from the pursuit of true knowledge and wisdom.

Potential for Social Disruption:

Plato is wary of the potential for art, particularly certain types of poetry and drama, to disrupt the social order. He expresses concern that art that glorifies emotions and passions may undermine the stability of the state by encouraging rebellious or disruptive attitudes among citizens.

Preference for Philosophy:

Plato has a clear preference for philosophy as the highest form of knowledge. He believes that philosophers, who engage in the contemplation of eternal truths, are best suited to govern the ideal state. In contrast, artists are seen as being more concerned with the transient and changeable world of appearances.

In “The Republic,” Plato uses the character of Socrates to articulate these concerns and argue for a strict censorship of art in the ideal state. It’s important to note that these views are presented within the context of Plato’s broader philosophical framework and his vision of an orderly and just society governed by philosopher-kings. While many aspects of Plato’s philosophy have been debated and criticized over the centuries, his ideas on art and its role in society have had a lasting impact on discussions about the relationship between art, morality, and governance.