Jenni Jenkins argues, probably not.
In the Republic (written around 380 BCE), Socrates, speaking for Plato, deliberates with friends about what is needed to achieve the most just policies for the establishment of the ideal state. They consider the nature of the soul (this is important, because the ideal state will mirror the individual); what justice is; the nature of ‘good’; and, what knowledge is and how truth can be attained. After this, they go on to discuss how the state should be run to best achieve justice and political harmony. The ideal Republic will consist of three classes of citizens: the producers; warriors to protect the citizens; and philosopher guardians (or philosopher kings), who will be the rulers.
Let us imagine it is 381 BCE, and Plato is researching for his new book about a hypothetical Republic. Our question is whether he would allow the citizens of his Republic to have access to social media; whether only the rulers would be allowed access; or would he have banned it from the Republic completely?
My first thoughts are that he would have attacked Facebook and all social media on (at least) three grounds, which I’ll illustrate using examples from the text of the Republic. These grounds are:
1.The idea, common on social media, that one opinion is as good as any other.
2. The lack of identity, ownership and accountability of its users.
3. Plato’s views on censorship in the running of the state.
Relativism
This story is from the October/November 2017 edition of Philosophy Now.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October/November 2017 edition of Philosophy Now.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Metaphors & Creativity
Ignacio Gonzalez-Martinez has a flash of inspiration about the role metaphors play in creative thought.
Medieval Islam & the Nature of God
Musa Mumtaz meditates on two maverick medieval Muslim metaphysicians.
Robert Stern
talks with AmirAli Maleki about philosophy in general, and Kant and Hegel in particular.
Volney (1757-1820)
John P. Irish travels the path of a revolutionary mind.
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Becky Lee Meadows considers questions of guilt, innocence, and despair in this classic Christmas movie.
"I refute it thus"
Raymond Tallis kicks immaterialism into touch.
Cave Girl Principles
Larry Chan takes us back to the dawn of thought.
A God of Limited Power
Philip Goff grasps hold of the problem of evil and comes up with a novel solution.
A Critique of Pure Atheism
Andrew Likoudis questions the basis of some popular atheist arguments.
Exploring Atheism
Amrit Pathak gives us a run-down of the foundations of modern atheism.