The Republic might seem to be about why the philosopher should rule,
but it should be
remembered that whatever philosophy says and does is only for its own good, for the sake
of itself. The idea, the perfect idea of the philosopher king, has the function of providing the
appropriate environment for philosophy--to make for philosophy, a home. When considered
in this light, the philosopher really IS the only man for the job. The poet comes close of course,
but the language of the poet is never purely for itself, but always thinks a little too much of the other.
Not the philosopher. The only interest the philosopher has is in providing the proper environment
for his best show.
I know it's not that simple. In the first place (I think it's the first place) is tragedy. But not this
afternoon.
Allen
--- from list heidegger@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ---
remembered that whatever philosophy says and does is only for its own good, for the sake
of itself. The idea, the perfect idea of the philosopher king, has the function of providing the
appropriate environment for philosophy--to make for philosophy, a home. When considered
in this light, the philosopher really IS the only man for the job. The poet comes close of course,
but the language of the poet is never purely for itself, but always thinks a little too much of the other.
Not the philosopher. The only interest the philosopher has is in providing the proper environment
for his best show.
I know it's not that simple. In the first place (I think it's the first place) is tragedy. But not this
afternoon.
Allen
--- from list heidegger@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ---