Introduction
Philosophy is an influential domain that makes one reconsider their views by presenting alternating standings on different aspects of life. Among the outlooks that can affect a person are those of prominent figures like Plato and bell hooks. The key topics that felt eye-opening to me and altered my perspective are those concerning Plato’s Guardians and understanding of good and justice alongside hooks’s theory.
Challenging Understanding of Justice
The first topic I found enlightening is the Conventional Meanings of “Good” or “Justice.” In particular, I have been pondering Plato’s (n.d.a) notion that a person who experiences mistreatment may become more unjust. The philosopher’s idea altered my ethical outlook by making me think about how differently people view what is morally right and how their perceptions may cause unnecessary harm. My viewpoint of fairness was shifted due to the implemented examples of horses, dogs, and excellence (Plato, n.d.a). Notably, I was upset when concluding that one’s character may deteriorate due to another individual’s mistaken perception of justice.
Implications of Wealth and Poverty
The second topic I thought was eye-opening was Guardians and the Magnificent Myth. While Plato (n.d.b) discusses many attributes of Guardians, I was challenged by the author’s argument that those in power should protect people from wealth and poverty since both elements can corrupt individuals. Such an assertion changed my social view since I had known that impoverishment is problematic and detrimental. Still, I had not thought of it as producing malice and poor artistry (Plato, n.d.b). I felt somewhat surprised that I had never acknowledged such obvious impacts of poverty. Finally, I would say that my outlook on the matter was modified due to the philosopher’s writing style rather than using examples.
Theory as Liberatory Practice
The last topic that has altered my perspective is Theory as Liberatory Practice. The subject derives from hooks’s (1991) discussion of what theory can do. The argument that changed my outlook is that theory is a way to learn about a matter and a path for understanding troubles and finding solutions. The author’s position modified my social views by suggesting that people’s pain can and should be addressed by thinking of influential issues, although the process may be unpleasant (hooks, 1991). I experienced different emotions when reading hooks’s work, as I sensed both uneasiness and hopefulness when comprehending her experiences and position. I was equally convinced by the expert’s examples and her engaging writing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the enlightening topics concern Guardians and the ideas of justice and good as discussed by Plato and the essence of the theory presented by hooks. First, I realized that a perception of fairness may be inaccurate and can harm others. Second, I learned that Guardians should protect society from being corrupted by wealth and poverty since the latter can diminish work and cause meanness. Third, I began viewing theory as assessing and resolving problems. I believe that the insights I have obtained have enhanced my worldview.
References
hooks, b. (1991). Theory as liberatory practice. Yale Journal of Law & Feminism, 4, 1-12.
Plato. (n.d.a). Plato, The Republic, 1-24 [PDF document].
Plato. (n.d.b). Plato, The Republic, 112-129 [PDF document].