Single Idea 1649

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 6. Hopes for Philosophy]

Full Idea

To confine, as Plato does in 'Republic' IV-VII, moral inquiry to a tiny elite, is to obliterate the Socratic vision which opens up the philosophic life to all.

Gist of Idea

Socrates opened philosophy to all, but Plato confined moral enquiry to a tiny elite

Source

comment on Socrates (reports of career [c.420 BCE]) by Gregory Vlastos - Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosopher p.18

Book Reference

Vlastos,Gregory: 'Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosopher' [CUP 1992], p.18


A Reaction

This doesn't mean that Plato is necessarily 'elitist'. It isn't elitist to point out that an activity is very difficult.