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Socrates Lie In Words Vs A Lie Analysis

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According to Socrates, the difference between a “true” lie and a lie in words is that a lie in words is apparent while a true lie is real. When a true lie is concerned, a person’s whole character is oriented to a world that doesn’t exist. The character’s soul can be changed for evil. Meanwhile, a lie in words is the noble lie. Socrates says, “But surely, as I was saying just now, it would be most correct to say that it is truly speaking a lie-- the ignorance in the soul of the one to whom the lie was told. For a lie in words is a sort of imitation of this affection in the soul, an image of it that comes into being after it, and not an altogether pure lie” (382b7-11). In his explanation, Socrates believes that a lie in words is not a complete and total lie. This is …show more content…

These stories of gods performing impious actions would ultimately impact citizens’ characters and in turn cause them to complete similar impious actions. Instead, the stories that should educate the city’s guardians should be heroic. Any passages that may cause children to fear death or the afterlife should be omitted. Lying and falsehood should not be depicted as glorious and moderation in sex, food and drink are required in these accounts. These stories should be in pure narration, especially when told to kids, because Plato believes that imitation is bad and

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