Final answer:
Plato believed that art had the potential to corrupt the people and should be heavily regulated by the state to promote moral values and the common good.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Plato's view, the role of art and artists in society is controversial. Plato believed that art, including poetry and theater, had the potential to corrupt the people and promote deception rather than truth. He argued that art was a mere imitation of reality, which he saw as a copy of the true essence of things. Plato believed that artists should be heavily regulated and governed by the state to ensure that they promote moral values and uphold the ideals of the just society. He saw art as a means of propaganda to shape the minds of the citizens to align with the state's values and promote the common good.