BRIDGE COURSE: ARISTOTLE POETICS

This blog task was assigned by Dilip Barad Sir (Department of English, MKBU)

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QUESTION:

1. To what extent do you agree with Plato's objection to the freedom of expression and artistic liberty enjoyed by creative writers? Identify texts (novels, plays, poems, movies, TV soaps, etc.) that can be justifiably objected to and banned based on Plato's objections.

ANSWER:

Plato vs. Artistic Freedom: Should Creative Writers Be Censored?

From ancient Greece to modern Hollywood, the debate over creative freedom has never lost its spark. One of the earliest—and most controversial—thinkers to question the value of artistic liberty was the Greek philosopher Plato. In his famous work The Republic, Plato proposed that poets and creative writers could be dangerous to society and should be censored or even banned from the ideal state.

This idea might sound extreme today. But before we dismiss him, let’s take a closer look at why Plato objected to creative expression, and whether his concerns still matter in the world we live in.

Plato's Objection: Art Is a Threat to Truth and Morality

Plato believed that art is an imitation (mimesis) of reality, and therefore, it is “thrice removed from the truth.” According to him, artists don’t represent reality itself but merely a copy of it—an illusion that can mislead people.

But more importantly, he worried that:

Poetry and drama stir emotions and weaken reason.

 Art glorifies immoral behavior—lust, violence, revenge—and corrupts the soul.

 Impressionable youth could be led astray by fictional heroes who defy virtue.

In Plato’s view, a just society needs order, reason, and truth—not wild imaginations that cloud the mind. So, in his ideal state, only those forms of art that promote virtue and wisdom would be allowed.

 Modern Parallels: Would Plato Ban These Works?

While modern democracies value freedom of speech, some creative works today do raise ethical concerns—sometimes aligning with Plato’s objections. Let’s look at a few examples:

 "13 Reasons Why" (Netflix series)

Plato would strongly object to this teen drama for its graphic portrayal of suicide, depression, and bullying. Mental health experts warned that it could trigger vulnerable teenagers—proving Plato's fear of emotional manipulation and harmful influence.

"Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov

This controversial novel, written from the perspective of a pedophile, explores deeply disturbing themes. While it's a literary masterpiece to some, Plato would argue it normalizes immoral desires, making it dangerous to society.

 

"Kabir Singh" (2019 – Bollywood)

Plato would likely object to Kabir Singh for glorifying toxic masculinity, obsession, and emotional abuse. The protagonist is a brilliant doctor but also a violent, self-destructive man who mistreats others, including the woman he claims to love. While the film was a blockbuster, many critics pointed out how it normalized abusive behavior in relationships—something Plato would view as a threat to moral values and social order.

Udta Punjab (2016)

Why Plato would object: This film exposes the drug crisis in Punjab, but it contains explicit content, drug use, and profanity. While the movie aimed to raise awareness, Plato would worry that such harsh portrayals could influence the youth negatively and glorify self-destructive behavior.

Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)

Why Plato would object: Though the movie empowers a former sex worker turned social reformer, it also glorifies the world of brothels to some extent. Plato might worry that such portrayal could confuse morality with glamor, thereby misleading viewers about what is truly virtuous.

Final Thoughts

Plato's vision of a society free from dangerous art is thought-provoking, but creativity is the soul of culture. It teaches, heals, entertains, and reforms. The solution lies not in strict censorship, but in ethical storytelling—art that inspires without corrupting.

Plato feared the power of art. But maybe that’s because he understood it better than anyone.