The Republic: Book X 📖 (639)

Throughout the reading, The Republic: Book X, Plato argues that there is one possible idea and or truth and anything after that would be considered a copycat version of the original copy. “Who is he? One who is the maker of all the works of all other workmen. What an extraordinary man! Wait a little, and there will be more reason for your saying so. For this is he who is able to make not only vessels of every kind, but plants and animals, himself and all other things –the earth and heaven, and the things which are in heaven or under the earth; he makes the gods also. He must be a wizard and no mistake. Oh! you are incredulous, are you? Do you mean that there is no such maker or creator, or that in one sense there might be a maker of all these things but in another not? Do you see that there is a way in which you could make them all yourself? What way? An easy way enough; or rather, there are many ways in which the feat might be quickly and easily accomplished, none quicker than that of turning a mirror round and round –you would soon enough make the sun and the heavens, and the earth and yourself, and other animals and plants, and all the, other things of which we were just now speaking, in the mirror” (Plato, Book X). Plato explains the original creator as the blue print. Throughout life many blue prints are created but different experiences may make the image look depending on the person. The personal background of a person is an important factor because something one person may seem as pain may be beauty to another person’s eye. Plato explains it as the image changing but to me it makes the most sense to be explained as the depiction of the person alters the image presented. Plato also related the original creator being symbolized as God. I agree with Plato’s statement because I am a believer in God and it is common for Christians to believe that God gives us ideas to help us become successful throughout life. [Also it is common to believe that God plans a vision for your life and by being a believer in God you fulfill the plan that God has for you, which would explain the connection between Plato’s theory of a higher power creating the original copy of an idea and the Christian belief of following God’s layout for your individual self. Some people may believe that higher powers don’t exist and or that God is fake, which would also possibly mean that they would disagree with Plato’s theory that the original creator would be considered a higher power and or a God. Plato used the example of the use of a bed. Plato explained that beds and tables have specific purposes but there are other objects that serve the same purpose. Plato explains how the idea copycat only has slight modifications from the original idea. Art explained by Plato would be deceptive because of the modifications. The modifications made to art do not have to be true, but are still perceived by viewers and or the audience to be true. Personally, I believe the purpose of art is to be an expression of emotion from the artist. Some artist may use inspiration from outside sources and or people, so overall I would agree with Plato’a theory on how creations are copycats from an original creator. Art throughout history has been portrayed through many ways and many people and still may share the same commonalities. The inspiration that comes from the original creator creates a space for other artist to relate and build on to the original story. Modifications to me personally add character and complete the incomplete.