The Republic By Socrates - 1591 Words

In Book VII of the Republic, Socrates sets forth the idea that a real astronomer would not be concerned with the motions of the stars. This comes at a time in the dialogue being played out in the Republic in which the education of the guardians (especially those who will be the philosopher-kings) is in question. The foundational elements of this education have already been discussed, these being the subjects of music and poetry and rigorous physical training. However, the question remains what other subjects should be added to the education process of the guardians to make them fit rulers of the just city. As Socrates has mentioned earlier in Book VI, he believes that it is philosophers that are most fit to rule, so the guardians of the†¦show more content†¦Socrates takes issue with the manner in which it is currently studied in his time, claiming that those engaged in the subject gain no knowledge because they deal with things they can see, that is, the motions of the stars . He then makes the claim expressed in the quote above, that â€Å"real† astronomers (those concerned with truth and understanding) would not concern themselves with these stellar motions. This idea ties into the desired essence of the guardians’ education, as the subjects that are to be added should stimulate thought and the search for understanding. The purpose of this study is to prepare the potential rulers for what Socrates calls â€Å"dialectic,† which is essentially pure exploration of thought and reason in the quest for understanding that which is (i.e. the Forms). A parallel to this idea that also makes it quite provocative is the nature of modern astronomy, which often concerns itself with the â€Å"motions of stars,† although in a different, more diverse, and more advanced way than in Socrates’ time. However, modern astronomy also deals with â€Å"problems† as Socrates suggests, as the men and women at the forefront of the field a re always trying to uncover the truth about not only the way celestial bodies move and interact with one another, but also how they fit into the grand