In Our Time: Philosophy – Plato’s Atlantis

Intro

In this episode of “In Our Time: Philosophy,” the host and guests discuss Plato’s story of Atlantis and its significance in exploring the idea of an ideal republic. They delve into the details of the story, its transmission, and the ethical, political, and theological lessons it conveys. The episode also explores the contrasting outcomes of Atlantis and Athens, the use of myth in engaging emotions, and the impact of the story on various branches of Plato’s philosophy. Additionally, the popularity and cultural adaptations of the Atlantis story are explored, along with its relevance to contemporary issues of imperialism and power.

Main Takeaways

Plato’s Story of Atlantis

• Plato’s story of Atlantis is told in his works, The Timaeus and The Critias.
• Atlantis is a way for Plato to explore the idea of an ideal republic and whether Athens could be one.
• The story is about a war between prehistoric Athens and Atlantis, in which Athens, though poor and powerless, defeated Atlantis through its virtue.
• The Republic has a separation between the Guardian class, who rule, and the producers who produce all the goods.

Description of Atlantis

• Atlantis is described as a very large island in the Atlantic, with a mountain in the middle, and three canals of water to divide it from other land.
• The Atlanteans built bridges, harbors, docks, and even a wall with little houses on it.
• The island had a massive race course and a great temple of Poseidon, entirely made of silver with golden turrets.

Transmission and Context of the Atlantis Story

• The story of Atlantis was passed down from Solon, a 6th century statesman and poet, through the Egyptians to Critias’ family.
• The pseudo-antiquity of the story and the character of Critias are both problematic.
• The story of Atlantis was transmitted down in a family, making it an aristocratic and Athenian story.
• Plato was mischievous in shifting the context of the ideal state to Athens, as he was writing for Greeks.

Exploring Ethical, Political, and Theological Lessons

• Plato wrote the Atlantis story to explore ethical, political, and theological lessons, and the relationship between myth and account.
• Atlantis serves as an example of a state that does well as long as it doesn’t get too big for its boots.
• Virtue can defeat human vice, but both Atlantis and prehistoric Athens were obliterated by an earthquake in the end.
• Plato’s story of Atlantis is an attempt to put the ideal state into concrete form.

Impact and Adaptations of the Atlantis Story

• The story of Atlantis gained popularity during the Renaissance due to the discovery of the New World and the development of utopias.
• In the 19th century, scholars used the story to support racist European supremacy and Nazi doctrine.
• The story of Atlantis became popularized in popular culture during the late Regency period, with translations into European vernacular and adaptations for the London stage and literature.
• The Atlantis story has been popularized in science fiction writing and adapted into over 400 films.

Summary

Plato’s Exploration of an Ideal Republic through Atlantis

Plato’s story of Atlantis, as depicted in The Timaeus and The Critias, serves as a means for him to delve into the concept of an ideal republic and whether Athens could embody it. The tale narrates a war between prehistoric Athens and Atlantis, where the former emerges victorious through its virtue despite its poverty and powerlessness. Plato’s Republic showcases a clear separation between the ruling Guardian class and the productive producers. Atlantis, described as a vast island in the Atlantic, exhibits impressive architectural feats such as bridges, harbors, docks, and a wall with houses. The island also features a grand temple of Poseidon made entirely of silver with golden turrets.

The Transmission and Context of the Atlantis Story

The story of Atlantis was passed down through generations, originating from Solon and reaching Critias’ family via the Egyptians. However, the pseudo-antiquity of the story and the character of Critias raise concerns about its historical accuracy. Plato intentionally shifts the context of the ideal state to Athens, adding a mischievous element to his narrative aimed at Greek readers. The aristocratic and Athenian nature of the story’s transmission further solidifies its connection to a specific cultural context.

Exploring Ethical, Political, and Theological Lessons

Plato employs the Atlantis story as a means to explore various ethical, political, and theological lessons. The tale serves as an example of a state that thrives as long as it remains humble and avoids excessive ambition. It highlights the potential of virtue to overcome human vices. However, both Atlantis and prehistoric Athens ultimately face destruction due to an earthquake, emphasizing the transient nature of power and material wealth. Plato’s intention in crafting the Atlantis story is to manifest his vision of an ideal state in tangible form.

Impact and Adaptations of the Atlantis Story

The story of Atlantis gained popularity during the Renaissance, coinciding with the discovery of the New World and the emergence of utopian thinking. However, in the 19th century, scholars misused the story to support racist European supremacy and Nazi ideology. The Atlantis narrative found its way into popular culture during the late Regency period, with translations into European vernacular and adaptations for the London stage and literature. It has also been widely embraced in science fiction writing and adapted into numerous films. The story’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to captivate and inspire imagination.

Conclusion

Plato’s story of Atlantis serves as a thought experiment, allowing him to explore the concept of an ideal republic and convey ethical, political, and theological lessons. The tale not only provides insights into the contrasting outcomes of Atlantis and prehistoric Athens but also delves into the impact of virtue and the transient nature of power. The story’s popularity and cultural adaptations throughout history highlight its enduring appeal and ability to resonate with audiences. Ultimately, the Atlantis narrative serves as a cautionary tale, warning against excessive ambition and the exploitation of power and resources.