So presumably we'll do March 22nd this month.
I have chosen what seem to me to be some of the essential parts of The Republic. Because it is an ongoing dialogue, I would recommend reading the entire book for anyone with the time. While it is a fairly quick read, I recognize that this may be difficult, as my copy is 300 pages.
Here are some selections that I believe will illuminate some of the key points. If anyone reads beyond these selections and finds something particularly interesting, please let us all know and we can add it on.
The Republic has its own page numbering system that coordinates all editions. I have listed these reference numbers, as well as the page numbers of my own edition [Allan Bloom (1968). The Republic of Plato. New York: Basic Books]. It has been awhile since I read the book and I have used online methods to figure out which parts are the best to read. The beginnings and endings may be slightly off, so if it seems to abruptly jump right into a section I recommend reading back a page or two for context.
Here are my selections:
Book II; 357-371 (p. 35-47 in my edition -- expositions on Justice)
Books V & VI; 470-502 (p. 150-182 in my edition -- discussing the "Rule of the Philosophers")
Book VII; 501-521 ( p. 180-200 in my edition -- this is the famous "Allegory of the Cave")
Book IX (entirety); 571-592 (p. 251-275 in my edition -- conclusions on Justice)
I know this may a bit more than I suggested that I would excerpt (about 88 pages), but I think it's essential. Do what you can.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
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From the desk of Sam "Thumper" Axelrod:
ReplyDeleteShouldn't it be the 29th?
We've been doing it the 4th monday in March. I would be fine with the 29th, though.
ReplyDeleteNot sure the comment section is a sufficient forum to figure this out, but let's see...
Any serious opinions on this?
Not sure if the comment section is the right forum for this, either, but... If the entire Republic seems worthwhile, should we read more of it for March and save de Tocqueville for April? These are two long, important books. We might want to take our time with them. Especially if we're also doing "activities."
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, the variety is good, as we saw last time. I'm not sure.
Not sure if this is the right forum, but I think that's a good idea (saving de Tocqueville for April)..
ReplyDeleteI guess we could have everyone start digging into The Republic and if we get some good selections from de Tocqueville we can add them on if it seems manageable. Maybe we'll just do a few short passages from him for perspective. See what surfaces...
ReplyDeleteHaving said that this may not be the right forum for this (the comment section), I agree about saving Democracy in America for next month. I have yet to hear back from my inside man on his recommendations this epic.
ReplyDelete