The Effects of Good Lie in Plato's Republic - Essay Example

Plato, the RepublicAccording to Plato, bad lies are mainly misrepresentations’ that destroy the truth about the gods by accrediting to them the contrary of the much intended idea of divinity. Mainly, bad lies are associated with the intentions of slandering the respect of deity. While he defined a good lie a lie that is beneficial because it imitate the truth and the lie offset the harm of not being truthful in the first place. This lie could be intended to save a friend, to safeguard a state or against an enemy.

This lie is most appreciated when used in absence of knowledge to the person being told it (Grube, pg. 76).The effects of a good lie as demonstrated by Plato were useful to Citizens generally if they did not conflict with the morals and the teaching of gods. In situations where the lies were used by the leaders to protect the citizens from the enemies had a positive impact on the citizens. This lead to creation of strong relations between the leaders and the people due to the great faith the people had on the leadership.

This founded strong ties and great kingdoms. However, bad lies too had implications on the leadership and the whole state. Lost hopes manifested themselves in the county that always prioritized on bad lies. Thus the effects were exhibited depending on the kind of a lie used ( Grube, pg. 56).Political lies are necessary at times if they are constructive and beneficial. A good example by Plato is when the ruler of Athens used a lie to influence the citizens to build a new fleet because he lied that the Island of Aegina was a threat.

This fleet was later used for defense against the Persians.Work citedGrube G.M.A.Republic. 2nd ed. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company Inc. 1992.