Function, Ability and Desire in Plato’s Republic

Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Philosophical Studies Series book series (PSSP, volume 117)

Abstract

In his treatment of Plato’s Republic, Gerasimos Santas emphasizes that there are two ways Plato approaches the good: “good as well functioning and good as perfect form” (2001, p. 58). Through much of the Republic Plato seems to appeal to the function of what he discusses to determine what that thing’s good is. For anything with a function, its good should be performing its function well. Santas’ focus on the role of function in the Republic is illuminating, and it is our purpose to expand upon his analysis.

Keywords

Rational Part Moral Virtue Natural Ability Human Desire Book Versus 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Adrian CollegeAdrianUSA
  2. 2.Duquesne UniversityPittsburghUSA

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