The Noble Lie
Having established that the ideal city needs guardians (rulers) and auxiliaries (soldiers), Socrates proposes something shocking: a "noble lie" to unify the citizens. He hesitates, embarrassed, then describes a myth: citizens will be told they were born from the earth (making them brothers who must defend their mother-land) and that God mixed different metals into their souls - gold for rulers, silver for soldiers, bronze and iron for workers. This determines their place in society. Even the rulers should believe this myth. Children will usually inherit their parents' metal, but sometimes a golden child is born to bronze parents, or vice versa - and must be moved to the appropriate class. The purpose: social harmony and acceptance of one's role.
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Identifies the two parts of the lie: born from earth, metals mixed into souls
Cause & Consequence
Explains the purpose: create social unity, make citizens feel like brothers
Meaning
Takes a position on whether rulers may ever lie for the common good
Evidence
Cites a specific phrase about the lie or its purpose
Defense
Maintains or thoughtfully revises their position under challenge
How It Works
Your AI tutor will guide you through this text using the Socratic method. Instead of giving you answers, it asks questions that help you discover the meaning for yourself.
- 1.Read the text carefully
- 2.Answer the tutor's questions in your own words
- 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
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