Approaching theRepublic

Abstract

Introduction Plato’s shortish dialogue Charmides ends with the following sequence, initiated by a response on the part of Charmides to the question whether he thinks he needs the Socratic ‘charm’ which will cure the soul (176b–d): I am sure, Socrates, that I do need the charm, and as far as I am concerned, there is no obstacle to my being charmed by you daily, until you say that it is enough. Very good, Charmides, said Critias. If you do this / shall take this as a proof of your moderation - that is, if you allow yourself to be charmed by Socrates, and never desert him in things great or small. You may depend on my following and never deserting him, he said. If you who are my guardian command me, I should do very wrong not to obey you. And I do command you, he said. Then I will do as you command, and begin this very day. You there, I said, what are you two making plans about? We are not making plans, said Charmides. We’ve made them. Then you are about to use force, I said, without giving me the chance of a scrutiny? Yes, I shall use force, he said, since he orders me. In the face of this you had better plan what you will do. No plan is left open to me, I said. When you put your hand to action of any sort and are using force, there is no human being who can oppose you. Don’t, then, he said; don’t oppose me, not even you. I won’t oppose you, then, I said.

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