If the Republic is all about everyone’s happiness, why not art?
Art tends to make people happy. When we can consume the creative media that we enjoy, it often aids in putting us in a better mood. Reading, listening to music, watching movies, etc. are usually considered hobbies that we engage in when we have free time and/or to relax when we’re stressed. And Socrates wants to sensor art in his ideal city. As mentioned in part 1, the artists and art consumers in the Republic wouldn’t be satisfied with the strict regulations. The art of the Republic wouldn’t bring happiness, but frustration because it lacks truth. Socrates doesn’t want his citizens to relax anyway. He wants them to be happy by working. So what is an artist, whose work is art, to do in such a world? Nothing. The artist would be restricted in expression and unhappy. But everyone has to be happy in the Republic. Apparently, artists aren’t part of “everyone” in this city. The only art allowed is that which will support the education of the guardians. Being forced to consume creative media with the sole intention of an education with a limited perspective is unlikely to bring happiness. Yet, it’s necessary in the Republic, because art is “harmless—except, of course, that when lawlessness has established itself there, it flows over little by little into characters and ways of life” (100). Again, Socrates’ fear of being exposed arises. He knows the power of art and doesn’t want the people to find out the truth of their not-so-ideal ideal world.
Art tends to make people happy. When we can consume the creative media that we enjoy, it often aids in putting us in a better mood. Reading, listening to music, watching movies, etc. are usually considered hobbies that we engage in when we have free time and/or to relax when we’re stressed. And Socrates wants to sensor art in his ideal city. As mentioned in part 1, the artists and art consumers in the Republic wouldn’t be satisfied with the strict regulations. The art of the Republic wouldn’t bring happiness, but frustration because it lacks truth. Socrates doesn’t want his citizens to relax anyway. He wants them to be happy by working. So what is an artist, whose work is art, to do in such a world? Nothing. The artist would be restricted in expression and unhappy. But everyone has to be happy in the Republic. Apparently, artists aren’t part of “everyone” in this city. The only art allowed is that which will support the education of the guardians. Being forced to consume creative media with the sole intention of an education with a limited perspective is unlikely to bring happiness. Yet, it’s necessary in the Republic, because art is “harmless—except, of course, that when lawlessness has established itself there, it flows over little by little into characters and ways of life” (100). Again, Socrates’ fear of being exposed arises. He knows the power of art and doesn’t want the people to find out the truth of their not-so-ideal ideal world.
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