Plato & the Myth of the Noble Lie | The Ethics of Lying

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Would Plato (or Socrates) lie to you? In this video, we explore Plato’s discussion on lying in The Republic, in particular his concept of the “noble lie.” This idea suggests that, under specific conditions, rulers are justified in lying to their citizens for the benefit of society. The myth of the noble lie seeks to convince everyone that they are “born of the earth” and mixed with either gold, silver, copper/iron to determine their role in society.

We discuss the role the noble lie plays in Plato's ideal city, as articulated in the dialogue by his hero Socrates, and how it relates to the ethics of lying. We also explore Plato’s distinction between lies in speech (spoken lies) and “lies in the soul” (pure lies), and how spoken lies can be “helpful” and used for the good and benefit of someone else.

🔍 Key Points Covered:
Plato’s myth of the noble lie in The Republic
Spoken lies vs. lies in the soul (pure lies)
Plato’s views on “helpful lies”
The ethical implications of citizens lying to rulers
Plato’s early support for political paternalism
Comparison with Augustine’s view on lying

📖 Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Plato’s Noble Lie
00:28 The Myth of the Noble Lie Explained
01:25 Contextual Background of the Myth
02:34 Spoken Lies vs. Pure Lies
04:04 Helpful Lies
05:45 Why the Ruled Shouldn’t Lie
07:24 Introduction to Paternalism & Augustine's Absolutism
08:25 Conclusion: Is Plato Right?

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📺 ETHICS OF LYING Series:    • Plato & the Myth of the Noble Lie | The Et...  

🔬 Sources and Further Reading:
Honderich, T. (2005) The Oxford Companion to Philosophy. 2nd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Martin, C. (2014) Moral Decision Making. (C. Martin, Narr.) [Audiobook]. The Great Courses. https://www.thegreatcourses.com/cours...
Plato (2008) The Republic. R. Waterfield (trans.). Reissued edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Roochnik, D. (2005) Plato’s Republic. (D. Roochnik, Narr.) [Audiobook]. The Great Courses. thegreatcourses.com/courses/plato-s-republic.html
Schofield, M. (2007) “The Noble Lie”. In: The Cambridge Companion to Plato’s Republic. G. R. F. Ferrari (ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 138-164.

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