Question

What does Adeimantus say against philosophers? What is the point of the anecdote about sailors?

A) Adeimantus criticizes philosophers for their impracticality. The sailors' anecdote illustrates the need for practical skills.
B) Adeimantus supports philosophers. The sailors' anecdote highlights the dangers of ignorance.
C) Adeimantus argues for philosopher-kings. The sailors' anecdote underscores the importance of wisdom.
D) Adeimantus dismisses the relevance of philosophers. The sailors' anecdote emphasizes the value of labor.

Answer 1

Option (A), Adeimantus criticizes philosophers for impracticality, comparing them to unrecognized skilled navigators in the sailors' anecdote from 'The Republic' by Plato.

Step-by-step explanation:

Adeimantus criticizes philosophers for being impractical. He suggests that philosophers, like a ship's navigator who is knowledgeable but not recognized by the sailors, lack the practical skills to be chosen as leaders.

The sailors' anecdote is used by Plato in 'The Republic' to illustrate the idea that just as seasoned sailors fail to recognize the value of the skilled navigator's knowledge for steering a ship, so too the society fails to appreciate the philosophers who possess true knowledge and are thus well-suited to govern.