Politics, Education, and Spirit in the Laws

Abstract

Chapter 10 argues that although Plato does not explicitly present tripartition in the Laws, the theory continues to inform his social and political philosophy. His thinking about spirit is evident through the Athenian Visitor’s response to what he perceives as undue Cretan and Spartan emphasis on cultivating courage, competitiveness, and martial virtue at the expense of moderation, cooperation, and friendship. Much of the text is designed to stress the importance of the latter set of civic qualities, and Plato’s exploration of ways to develop them reflects the influence of his two-sided theory of thumos. The dialogue’s extensive treatment of moral education, moreover, shows that Plato continues to view spirited motivation, and even a distinct spirited part of the soul, as a primary target of both musical and gymnastic education, as well as of education provided by the laws themselves.