Plato’s “Myth Of Er” puzzles Plato for centuries. Plato tells the story that Er traveled to the afterlife in order to tell his own story. Plato is the only source of the tale and it is clearly fictional. In The Republic, Socrates, however, cautions against the telling of untrue stories (377d) and bans falsely imitative writing from his imaginary Republic (595a). He also demonstrates that his deductive questioning method to teach his students is the only way to prove his philosophical system. Plato then chose this obviously absurd and seemingly insignificant tale as his final work. The story of Er is the culmination and meaning of Plato’s work.
The title “mythology of Er” is an erroneous term. The Republic text does not refer to The Republic account as a myth. Instead, it is described as a story or a tale. Myths have an inherent spiritual quality. As can be seen in ancient Rome’s religious practices, myths often form the basis for whole religious systems. Many people believe myths to be true. A myth is a story that tells a story of historically significant events. It can be used to show a part of the world or explain a belief, practice or natural phenomenon (Merriam Webster Dictionary). These myths can be found in ancient mythologies. Examples include the Persephone and Demeter stories, which explain the change in seasons and led to the Eleusinian Mysteries. Myths can help shape beliefs and explain the world. The myths provide a simple understanding of natural phenomena and offer hope for their followers. Myths are often seen as anagogy. They provide spiritual exaltation by trusting in the supernatural. A myth is then a story that offers supernatural explanations of events and shapes the worldviews of people. It often has a significant impact on cultural life.
The mythical “myth of Er” may not be true. It provides no explanation for a people’s past or a demonstrated phenomenon. It presents ideas from one person rather that the beliefs of an entire culture. It is not supported by any long tradition. It is not believed to have any spiritual significance. It doesn’t encourage any cultural practices, observances, or gives people hope. It is highly unlikely that anyone would have believed the tale if it wasn’t for Plato. It contains elements of supernaturality and can be used to help understand the world. But its limited cultural and historical scope and origin hinder its effectiveness. As a false story, Er does not serve any purpose and is inconsistent with Plato’s most basic ideas. The story about Er is a failure as a myth.
This failure exposes the true nature a tale. Plato did not intend that the legend of Er was a myth. Plato uses the story to explain and conclude many points in his teaching. This story provides a way for us to understand the world through extended fiction. It is an analogy, not anagogy. This story, which is not a true myth, is a metaphorical example and is not as mythic as the parables or textual allegories that modern writers have. It is incorrectly called the myth of Er; instead, it should be called the parable, the allegory, and, most importantly, the lesson about Er.
The Er account, even if it fails to be a myth or a lesson, is still a valuable reminder of Plato’s central beliefs throughout The Republic. It is clear in both the story’s content, and in its meaning. Plato argued earlier for immortality of soul in Book X (608c-611b). A possible outcome to such immortality can be seen in Er’s story.
Plato asserts that justice, as pursued and practiced by philosophers, is a path to happiness and worth the effort. The superiority of a philosophical lifestyle is clearly illustrated by the fate of Odysseus and other philosophical souls who are able to travel in the heavenly realm instead of alternately between the hellish underground or the heavenly realm. Plato also condemns the belief that there is a dull afterlife and believes this belief to be a detriment to soldiers preparing for battle. Plato emphasizes that citizens of his republic will learn to fear death and never fear it (386c). Plato wanted his citizens to believe the myth of Er. It describes how the good will have one thousand years in bliss, while the bad will suffer one thousand years torture. The tale of Er demonstrates and develops Plato’s beliefs in immortality, the benefits of a philosophical lifestyle, as well as courage when confronted with death.
The presentation of the parable about Er has the most significance. The education and instruction of Plato’s guardians is a central theme in The Republic. Plato’s educational philosophy stresses the importance of training future leaders for the city-state to ensure that they can govern justly and wisely. He advises caregivers that they “shape the souls with stories” (377b), as these are both inspirational and teach an important moral. Plato does not believe in false tales. He values stories that encourage and inspire virtue. He lists the stories allowed in his republic and emphasizes that they must keep the young guardians safe from death and help them live virtuously (386a-402b). Socrates addresses the Athens’ young leaders by telling the story of Er. Although his story is false, it teaches his listeners his core beliefs. He molds their hearts, encouraging them to live with justice, philosophy, and to not be afraid of death. The republic allows and even encourages the myth of Er. Socrates begins to teach his listeners about the wisdom and virtues of philosophy.
The “myth” of Er isn’t a myth. It is meant to teach listeners. Plato’s tale of Er demonstrates what kind of stories are acceptable in his home city and the values he teaches throughout The Republic. The lesson ofEr is the fitting conclusion to Plato’s greatest work.
