Abstract

Most interpretations of the last stretch of RepublicV attempt to set interpretive parameters by contextualizing the argument with the hope of shedding light on the possible intent behind it and its structure. However, the analysis of the argument is often reduced to a discussion of the differences between knowledge and belief in general and their objects without much consideration for the possible implication of whom these states are attributed to. I will argue that the types of person classified in the preamble to the argument are integral to understanding ‘epistême’ and ‘dôxa’ as they are detailed here. Once character is taken into account, Socrates’ discussions of ‘epistême’ and ‘dôxa’ as ‘dunâmeis’ takes on a new importance, and the discussion of the “objects” of epistême and dôxa comes to be less about different kinds of possible objects as it is about different methodologies for understanding the world. The aim of the argument is not to show the dif-ference between epistême and dôxa, but rather to show why the philosopher ought to rule, and what about the philosopher makes her more fit to do so.