In Kallipolis, the guardians control the experience of love to preserve their model of justice.
Book I: Socrates refuting Polemarchus’ definition of justice and the rejection of familial piety
Book III: The “myth of metals”
Book IV: Socrates’ definition of justice
Book V: Kallipolis’ eugenics program
Let’s imagine how this might apply in a modern context:
Does the ruling class today also shape the experience of love? How? To what extent? Who/what is included in the ruling class?
Do popular experiences of love ultimately serve ruling class interests?
How does propaganda shape my experience of love?
Does my experience of love reinforce the ruling class’ model of justice?
Discussion Prompt
In 200-300 words total, address all three questions below. Provide evidence (real-world examples) to support your argument:
Explain a myth/falsehood about love from popular culture.
What function does this myth/falsehood serve?
Based on this myth/falsehood, what can we infer about society’s ability to harmonize and live rationally?