The Republic · Chapter
BOOK V explained
Socrates is compelled by Adeimantus, Glaucon, and Thrasymachus to elaborate on the community of women and children among the guardians, a topic he had previously glossed over.
What happens
Socrates is compelled by Adeimantus, Glaucon, and Thrasymachus to elaborate on the community of women and children among the guardians, a topic he had previously glossed over. He expresses reluctance, fearing the difficulty and radical nature of the subject, but proceeds to argue that if women are to share the duties of guardians, they must receive the same education as men—music, gymnastics, and the art of war—despite the social ridicule such proposals might invite.
Themes in this chapter
The Ideal State (Kallipolis)
The chapter focuses on defining a critical, controversial institution of the ideal state: the community of women and children and the equal education of female guardians.
Education and Enlightenment
Socrates argues that if women are to perform the same functions as male guardians, they must receive the identical education in music, gymnastics, and war.
Characters to notice
- Socrates
Reluctantly agrees to explain the community of women and children, expressing fear of error but proceeding to argue for equal education for female guardians.
- Adeimantus
Insists Socrates must not be 'let off' and demands a full explanation of the community of women and children, stating its importance for the state.
- Glaucon
Supports Adeimantus's demand, encourages Socrates to speak freely, and laughs at Socrates's fears of causing injury with his argument.
- Polemarchus
Initiates the interruption by whispering to Adeimantus, prompting the challenge to Socrates.
- Thrasymachus
Asserts that the entire group is agreed in demanding an account from Socrates, emphasizing their purpose is to hear discourse.
Key passages
“we think that you are lazy, and mean to cheat us out of a whole chapter which is a very important part of the story”
Adeimantus accuses Socrates of avoiding a crucial explanation.
Shows the interlocutors' insistence on a complete account of the ideal state.
“if women are to have the same duties as men, they must have the same nurture and education?”
Equal roles require equal training.
Core argument for the equal education of female guardians.
“the most ridiculous thing of all will be the sight of women naked in the palaestra, exercising with the men”
The proposal will seem absurd by contemporary standards.
Acknowledges the radical, counter-cultural nature of the reform.