from The Dialogues of Plato

Question

The Republic of Plato is the longest of his works with the exception of the Laws, and is certainly the greatest of then. There are nearer approaches to modern metaphysics in the Philebus and in the Sophist, the Politicus or Statesman is more ideal, the form and institutions of the State are more clearly drawn out in the Laws; as works of art, the Symposium and the Protagoras are of higher excellence. But no other Dialogue of Plato has the same largeness of view and the same perfection of style; no other shows an equal knowledge of the world, or contains more of those thoughts which are new as well as old, and not of one age only but of all. Nowhere in Plato is there a deeper irony or a greater wealth of humour-ox imagery, or more dramatic power. Nor in any other of his writings is the attempt made to interweave life and speculation, or to connect politics with philosophy.

In the passage, the author argues that the Republic is the greatest of Plato's Dialogues.

Which statement describes how the author develops this central idea?

1. He lists various weaknesses of other Dialogues and contrasts each to a strength of Republic.

2. He evaluates numerous characteristics of all the Dialogues and explains with each one how Republic is superior.

3. He first points out the shortcomings of other Dialogues, and then describes the relative strengths of Republic.

4. He first acknowledges a few aspects of other Dialogues that are superior, and then lists numerous ways in which Republic is superior.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes how the author develops the central idea that the Republic is the greatest of Plato's Dialogues is:

4. He first acknowledges a few aspects of other Dialogues that are superior, and then lists numerous ways in which Republic is superior.

This is evident as the author recognizes some qualities of other Dialogues, such as their approach to metaphysics, artistic excellence, and clarity in political structure, but then emphasizes the superior qualities of the Republic in terms of its comprehensive view, depth, irony, humor, and the integration of life and speculation.