This week we touch on three of my favourite arguments in the Republic, gender equality, societal structure, and Philosopher Kings.

A brief summary of Book 5 is below, with questions in the notes.

Summary:

Polemarchus and Adeimantus ask Socrates for a more in depth description of the lives of the Guardian class, who in previous chapters it was decided everything they own is communal. Their questions aim to understand the status of women and children.

Socrates engages them in a dialogue about the roles and education of men and women in the Guardian class, where his arguments advocate for gender equality. He introduces the idea of a "community of wives and children" to ensure the best breeding/husbandry for the ruling class.

Socrates explores the concept of Philosopher Kings, where he espouses that those with the love of wisdom are the ideal rulers.

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