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Philosophy/Education in Plato

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Expert: Michael J. Motta - 4/29/2009


Question
I am a researcher and have following problem:in Plato political thought are citizens free to choose their studies and job? I think only if education is the same for all there is the real possibility for citizen to choose effectively among all alternatives. The education is the same for all? If not, are we authorized to compare the school system in Plato to our system (primary school same for all, then various second degree, as classic, scientific and technical, then further specialization as university, and so on)? THANK YOU

Answer
Hi Riccardo,

Thanks for your questions. Presumably we're talking about "The Republic". As for your first question, no. Second question, another "no". Recall that there are three types of citizen: first, the ruling class, second, the military class, third, the artisans or craftsmen. Each class has its own niche and own educational or "uneducational" system (though there may be some overlap between the educations of top two classes).

As for your third, I recommend that you take a look at pp. 18-19 in this book: http://books.google.com/books?id=i1AXAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=inauthor:%2...
(The Theory of Education in Plato's Republic, by John Ernest Adams)


And of course you might want to look at Plato's Republic too, and maybe some of his other works, and maybe some secondary sources, and decide for yourself.  

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Michael J. Motta

Expertise

Existentialism, existential psychology, political philosophy; some value theory and ethics. Interdisciplinary approach to the social sciences and humanities: some background in abnormal psychology, expressionist art, and modern literature. I'd defer to other experts especially in areas such as analytic philosophy and philosophy of science.

Experience

Tutor, Michigan State University, Student-Athlete Support Services, 2002-2005. Teaching Assistant, Binghamton University, Department of Philosophy, 1995.
Organizations
American Civil Liberties Union

Organizations
American Civil Liberties Union Michigan Audubon Society

Publications
The Society for Laingian Studies (giardino delle parole), Lansing State Journal, Grand Ledge Independent, beTurtle.com, Property Investor Magazine, Grand Rapids Press, eHow.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate study, Binghamton University, Department of Philosophy, 1993-95. MA in Philosophy, Michigan State University, College of Arts and Letters, 1991. Master's thesis: "Nietzsche's 'Hothouse For Strange And Choice Plants'". BA in Social Science, Michigan State University, James Madison College, 1989. Study abroad: Cambridge University, Trinity College, Cambridge, England, 1988.

Awards and Honors
Clifford D. Clark Fellow, Binghamton University, 1993-95. Department of Philosophy Fellowship, Michigan State University, 1991. National Merit Scholar, Michigan State University, 1985-1989.

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