Why does Plato want the artists to be kept away from the ideal state
The debate surrounding the role of art and artists in society has been a longstanding and complex one, dating back to ancient philosophical discussions. The eminent Greek philosopher Plato, who lived in the fourth century BCE, had clear and critical opinions about the role of artists in his perfect society. In his well-known work “The Republic,” Plato describes an ideal society ruled by philosopher-kings in which artists had no place.
Plato’s Ideal State:
Before delving into Plato’s reasons for excluding artists from his ideal state, it is essential to understand his concept of the ideal state itself. Plato’s “The Republic” presents a utopian society governed by philosopher-kings who are guided by wisdom and knowledge. In this envisioned society, justice, harmony, and the pursuit of the greater good are paramount. This context is crucial for understanding why Plato would want to keep artists at bay.
Plato’s Concerns About Art and Imitation:
Plato held a deep-seated concern regarding art, primarily focusing on its imitative nature. He believed that art was a mere imitation or representation of reality, a copy of a copy. Plato’s concern was that such imitation was inherently deceptive and that it could potentially lead individuals away from the pursuit of truth and the ultimate purpose of life.
For Plato, the pursuit of truth and knowledge was the highest calling of human existence. He contended that art, by presenting a distorted or embellished version of reality, could divert individuals from this pursuit. In his view, artists were “imitators” who did not possess genuine knowledge or wisdom, making their creations less valuable in the context of the ideal state.
The Influence of the Poets:
Plato was particularly critical of the poets of his time. He believed that poetry and literature, while often praised for their creativity, had the potential to incite emotions and desires that were not conducive to the stability and harmony of the ideal state. Plato argued that poets could sway the emotions and judgments of the citizens, potentially leading them astray.
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His critique was aimed not only at fictional literature but also at the epic poets like Homer, who played a significant role in shaping the moral and ethical values of ancient Greece. Plato’s concern was that the stories told by poets and the emotional responses they evoked could undermine the principles of the ideal state and lead citizens away from rationality and wisdom.
The Theory of Mimesis:
One of Plato’s central philosophical concepts relevant to the exclusion of artists from the ideal state is the theory of mimesis, which is the act of imitation. Plato articulated this theory in his dialogues, notably “The Republic” and “The Laws.” He believed that imitation was a fundamental aspect of artistic creation, and it was the deceptive nature of mimesis that troubled him.
Plato’s argument against mimesis was twofold. First, he claimed that mimesis was a mere replication of appearances, not of reality or truth. He believed that artists, by copying appearances, were creating a world of illusion that could deceive individuals. Second, he argued that imitation was one step removed from reality, making it a copy of a copy. This, he contended, led to a decline in the quality and authenticity of the ideas being imitated.
In the context of the ideal state, Plato was concerned that the citizens should be guided by unadulterated truth and wisdom. He viewed artists as propagators of illusion and distortion, distracting people from the pursuit of genuine knowledge and wisdom. Therefore, the exclusion of artists was essential to maintain the integrity of the ideal state.
The Role of the Philosopher-Kings:
Plato’s vision of the ideal state was centered on the rule of philosopher-kings. These individuals were not only wise and knowledgeable but were also rigorously trained in philosophy, ethics, and the pursuit of truth. Plato believed that art and artists were incompatible with the rule of philosopher-kings due to the fundamental differences in their approaches to knowledge and reality.
Philosopher-kings were meant to govern the state with an unwavering commitment to truth and justice. They were to be guided by reason, rationality, and a deep understanding of the Forms, which represented the ultimate reality. Plato believed that artists, on the other hand, were driven by their emotional and creative impulses, and their works lacked the intellectual rigor and depth that the philosopher-kings possessed.
To Plato, artists could potentially undermine the authority and wisdom of the philosopher-kings by appealing to the emotions and desires of the citizens. Their works might distract people from the pursuit of knowledge and virtue, ultimately leading to the degradation of the ideal state.
The Impact of Art on the Soul:
Another aspect of Plato’s argument against art in the ideal state relates to the impact of artistic representations on the human soul. Plato held a dualistic view of the soul, distinguishing between the rational part (logistikon), the spirited part (thumoeides), and the appetitive part (epithumetikon). He was concerned that art, particularly tragic and dramatic poetry, could have a negative influence on the emotional and spirited aspects of the soul.
Plato’s belief was that art could arouse emotions, such as fear, pity, and desire, that would disturb the rational and harmonious functioning of the soul. He was especially critical of tragedy, which he believed led to emotional catharsis but did not contribute to the development of virtuous and rational individuals. In the context of the ideal state, where the harmony of the soul was crucial, Plato saw art as a potential disruptor.
The Influence of Art on Moral Values:
Plato’s concerns about the impact of art extended to its potential influence on the moral and ethical values of the citizens. He believed that art, through its imitation of various characters and actions, could either reinforce or subvert the moral framework of society.
Plato was particularly concerned about the portrayal of immoral or corrupt characters in art. He argued that such depictions could normalize and even glorify unethical behavior, ultimately eroding the moral fabric of the ideal state. He believed that art should serve as a tool for the moral and intellectual development of citizens rather than as a source of moral confusion or degradation.
In the context of his ideal state, Plato saw the philosopher-kings as the guardians of morality and ethics. The influence of art, he feared, could undermine the authority of the rulers and distort the moral values they sought to instill in the citizens.
The Role of Censorship:
Plato’s reservations about art in the ideal state led him to propose a system of censorship. He believed that the state should actively control and regulate artistic expression to ensure that it aligned with the values and principles of the ruling philosopher-kings. This censorship was not limited to visual art but extended to poetry, literature, and music.
Plato’s idea of censorship aimed to filter out art that could be deemed harmful, immoral, or detrimental to the moral and intellectual development of the citizens. While this approach may seem authoritarian, Plato’s intent was to maintain the integrity and harmony of the ideal state by aligning artistic expression with the state’s overarching goals and values.
The Role of Education:
In Plato’s ideal state, education was of paramount importance. The state had a responsibility to shape the minds and characters of its citizens, guiding them toward wisdom and virtue. The role of education, therefore, was tightly interwoven with the exclusion of art and artists.
Plato believed that education should be a disciplined and systematic process that emphasized the pursuit of knowledge, the development of reason, and the cultivation of moral values. He saw art as a potential distraction and hindrance to this educational mission. The emotional and imaginative nature of art, he argued, could divert individuals from the rigorous intellectual training and moral development that he deemed necessary.
By excluding art and artists, Plato sought to create an environment in which education could be tightly controlled and guided, aligning with the objectives of the ideal state.
The Philosophical Implications:
Plato’s arguments against art and artists in the ideal state have philosophical implications that continue to be debated and explored in the realm of aesthetics and philosophy. While Plato’s concerns about art’s imitative nature and its potential to deceive and distract individuals from the pursuit of truth are understandable, they have prompted ongoing discussions about the value of art, its role in society, and the relationship between art and philosophy.
Plato’s exclusion of artists from the ideal state raises questions about the boundaries of creative expression, the impact of art on individual and societal values, and the tension between artistic freedom and state control. These questions remain relevant in contemporary discussions on the regulation of art, censorship, and
Conclusion
Plato’s desire to keep artists away from the ideal state was rooted in his profound concerns about the deceptive and distracting nature of art. He believed that art, with its emphasis on imitation, had the potential to lead individuals away from the pursuit of truth and wisdom. In the context of his envisioned ideal state, where philosopher-kings governed with a commitment to rationality and virtue, art was seen as incompatible with the state’s objectives.
Philosophical debates over the place of art in society have been influenced by Plato’s ideas about the soul, moral ideals, and the necessity of state-controlled censorship and education. Although there is some criticism about his exclusion of artists from the ideal state, it has fueled ongoing discussions about the limits of artistic expression, the conflict between artistic freedom and government regulation, and the larger effects of art on the human condition.
FAQ.
Q. Why did Plato want to keep artists away from his ideal state?
Plato believed that art was imitative and deceptive, potentially leading individuals away from the pursuit of truth and wisdom, which were the guiding principles of his ideal state.
Q. What is the theory of mimesis, and how does it relate to Plato’s views on art?
The theory of mimesis is the act of imitation. Plato argued that art’s imitation of appearances was a mere replication of reality, not of truth. He believed that artists were “imitators” who created a world of illusion, which could be deceptive.
Q. How did Plato view the influence of art on the soul?
Plato was concerned that art could arouse disruptive emotions and desires, potentially disturbing the rational and balanced functioning of the soul. He believed that certain forms of art, such as tragic poetry, could lead to emotional catharsis but not contribute to virtuous development.
Q. What was Plato’s vision of the ideal state, and how did it relate to his exclusion of artists?
In Plato’s ideal state, philosopher-kings governed with wisdom and rationality, seeking the pursuit of truth and virtue. He believed that artists, driven by emotional and imaginative impulses, were fundamentally different and could potentially undermine the authority of philosopher-kings.
Q. What role did censorship play in Plato’s philosophy regarding art?
Plato advocated for state-controlled censorship to filter out potentially harmful or immoral artistic expressions. He believed that this censorship was necessary to align artistic expression with the goals and values of the ideal state.
