Darth Plagueis the Wise

The monks made me think of Star Wars and how the Sith are trying to create their own twisted kind of utopia through tyranny and fear. Darth Plagueis the Wise's ability to "save people from death" made me lean towards a Utopia when I heard this song.

Blessed Rules

The rules laid out by St. Benedict for the behavior of the Abbot or Abbess make somewhat more sense to me than the broad (indeed overly optimistic) ideals expressed in Plato's Republic about the "gold soled Guardians". People tend to look toward a central figure of authority more readily than to group consensus, so it should be the duty of this leader to put the good of others in their charge before themselves. The rules also give more room for true meritocracy, not advancing people of noble birth ahead of those born at the bottom of society simply because of their birth. Other reasons, specific to individual ability, must apply. In fact, the only problems I have with any of the rules come from my own general distaste for organized religion, but I still recognize the merits of faith as an organizing force within a community.

Rule of St Benedict

This text seemed a lot different to me than the others that we have read for class simply because of its religious nature. Personally, I think it’s admirable for a person to dedicate their life to pleasing God or living in what is deemed a “holy” way. However, the list of regulations and rules that St. Benedict set forth seemed impractical and possibly even unattainable. I do think that those who choose to live this type of monastic lifestyle and follow these rules would find fulfillment. 

In previous texts, we have seen authors distinguish between groups of people but none (in my opinion) have made such an apparent and clear cut differentiation as St. Benedict has. In the very beginning he makes it clear that the Cenobites are the ideal monks and the epitome of what is it to abide by the monastery’s values. I can’t help but wonder if Benedict intended to use these classifications of monks as motivations for individuals to become more like the Cenobites. In addition, the Abbess, Abbot, and Cellarer of the monastery hold positions of higher authority and hold the majority of the power in the monastery. This class-like system seems almost contradictory when compared to the themes of equality and community that are so prevalent throughout the text. The idea of communal responsibility for society and one another is a reoccurring principal in many of the “utopic” societies we’ve read about thus far. In a lot of ways it cultivated a sense of equality and selflessness between people. (So here’s my question) do you think that with all of the laws set forth in St Benedict’s Rule, true equality could ever be achieved and maintained between monks?

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVnSFj6XQZY)

While looking through the reading I had a few questions that I thought would be interesting as discussion questions. I also wanted to post a song for the day as I felt it fit with the tradition of the Benedictine Abbey using music in prayer & chant derived, in part, from Gregorian Chanting.

The song chosen was ‘Reborn’ by Colin Stetson from the film Hereditary. The song has many different calming notes with some Gregorian Chanting featured in the track.

I also wanted to discuss the concept of ‘justice as currency’, a theme that seems prevalent in the readings we have had (especially in ‘The Republic’) and now with the concepts of sustainability and living consciously of the earth with those of the Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. Does justice work as a currency to motivate those in a utopia to continue operating calmly and legally? Would we still operate justly if it did not mean that we would receive recognition? Would we still be the best people that we could be without a type of ‘recognition’? (‘Recognition’ in this case could be community, career, or esteem).

Would we live justly if there was nothing to gain from it? Are we innately just? If we aren’t, how does injustice happen?

Some of my questions are pretty heavy and obviously they can’t be solved within one class sitting, but I loved reading about the lifestyle and commitments of those in the Benedictine Abbey who have wholeheartedly pledged themselves to a beautiful (and sustainable) cause that hurts no one and benefits the Earth.

The C the O the M the M the U the N the I the T the Y

Click for video w/ lyrics

I think it is going to be pretty difficult to find a song that perfectly sums up one of our readings. So perhaps I was just looking for an excuse to force one of my current favorite songs into the utopia discussion, and perhaps it will make more sense in response to an unknown reading later in the semester, but I think IDLES' "Danny Nedelko" has some decent connections to the Rule of St. Benedict.

The refrain "Fear leads to panic, panic leads to pain, pain leads to anger, anger leads to hate" is not only reminiscent of Yoda (you know I had to sneak in some Star Wars) but of stricture as well; one can imagine St. Benedict's Abbess "kneading" these commands into her disciples.

On the instruments of good works, which prioritize loving one's neighbor as oneself: IDLES sing about the importance of neighbors and immigrants; one of them, after all, could be the next Freddie Mercury, Mo Farah, or Malala Yousafzai. 

Admittedly, the daily regulations set out for monks are nowhere to be found in this song, and maybe I am ignoring the abundance of rigorous Rules to instead focus on a the smaller amount of kind acts mentioned in the Rules. But the theme of unabashed community ("C-O-M-M-U-N-I-T-Y S-O F-U-C-K Y-O-U") runs throughout the chapters, whether in welcoming guests or just valuing every member of the monastery.

Upon reflection, IDLES have probably written a song not for cenobites, but for gyrovagues; though they may be imperfect, they're still monks. 

Mental Health and Utopia

Sorry for posting twice in a row, but I was thinking about the discussion on happiness and had a thought. What would happen to people with mental illnesses in a utopia setting? So far, in the societies we've looked at, there seems to be no place for someone who struggles with anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc. In terms of the Republic, such a person would probably be forbidden to live there.

The Power of Art: Part 2

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.

How to deal with Socrates

434b & 434c

I was wondering if these two passages apply to Trump and his presidency and even to Reagan too because he, like Trump, was an entertainer in media before he became President (though I don't know if the same things were said about him as they are about Trump). Plato's Socrates says "that these exchanges and this sort of meddling bring the city to ruin" (434b) and what made me relate this to Trump was when Socrates was describing the kind of person who would do this meddling as  "someone... who... is puffed up by wealth" (434c). So, would this apply to Trump's presidency because he thinks he can do/say anything he wants because he's rich or, because our society values being able to change the individuals status (American Dream and all that jazz), does it not apply?

SAVAGES by Marina and the Diamonds

"Savages" is a song that comments on our modern society today, but I also felt that could relate to Socrates' thoughts about what, or what not, a society should be. In relation to the idea of Utopia, or Dystopia, I also think that this song expressing that humans are still animals learning how to crawl or behave is quite relevant in the sense that we, as humans, aren't perfect and neither is society.

"Getting down to the tough questions... are farmers happier then potters?!?" : Discussion Question (s) ; Plato, The Republic: BK IV

Greetings people of Earth and inhabitants of DR. M-B's "Utopia" class. I found book IV to be full of too many ideas interesting to just ask one discussion question, so I’m cheating and asking two, (which is a compromise because I have 3-4 at least). 

When I read the quote, "we aren't aiming to make any one group outstandingly happy, but to make the whole city so, as far as possible", my mind immediately thought of Bentham, and Utilitarianism. I thought that was the path book IV was leading me down, but Socrates and Adeimantus from my understanding were talking about something slightly different. From my understanding (which could definitely be off), decisions regarding the treatment of groups, - potters, farmers, ect., - should be based off of accordance to groups, rather than fairness among groups. I personally believe they were on to something, as they recognized that they simply cannot make all happy in the same way. I believe the goal of their logic was to provide each group with fulfillment. But my question is, are there different types of happiness among these groups, and are there more fulfilling types of happiness that create disparities in their society? In other words, when a farmer farms land does he or she feel more complete then when a potter molds clay, or is their sense of purpose and subsequent sense of fulfillment equal? (This highlights a problem I have with group identities in general, but I’m sure we’ll get to that another time).

My second question is much more simple. I found the idea that both poverty and wealth corrupt a craftsman to be a really interesting concept. I don’t quite have an opinion; I just want to know what you think? Do both poverty and wealth corrupt a craftsman??