Reconsideration Of Plato 's Theory Of Utilitarianism

On basic of Plato’s two dialogue- "republic" and "Laws", this article is intended to let us think of the concept of modern literature and art. With a combination of synchronic and diachronic approach, it is also intended to examine the significance of literary utilitarian view in the time of Plato and in the 20 th century, addressing the core problem of the complex relations between the aesthetics and utilitarian. The general ideas in Research are as follows: a modern review of Plato’s literary utilitarian,a summary of previous studies, three research areas, that is, philosophical, theological and secular, and a conclusion about culture and Utilitarian character of Plato’s literature.Therefore, firstly, this paper discusses the general understanding of Plato’s concept of literary utilitarian. On the premise that main points of the utilitarian have been discussed, this paper analyzes the causes and conditions of Literary utilitarian,that is, the idea of imitation and historical context, narrowing the scope of research to the study of politics, philosophy, theology. Next, starting from the cultural origin of literature and art and the primary location of the art in the soul, it rethinks the connotation and denotation of literature, finding out literary status and influence in human nature, discussing the role of literature and art in public life. Myth is the bridge of Plato’s philosophy and literary. It penetrates all aspects of individuals and society.Accordingly, education is a necessary mean of connecting individuals and societies. It is the main driver of the construction of the city. Literature and art have the function of transforming individual to the community. At the same time, the function of literature and art transforms culture and politics into theology and philosophy.Myths and Polis are the breakthrough point of Plato’s view of politics and philosophy. These two views infiltrate in the view of literature and art. In mythology,the author analyzes Plato’s theory of inspiration, ethics and formalism; and in the city,the author analyzes the issues relating to laws, regime, skill and the establishment of the city. These two aspects are Plato’s utilitarian outlook in the modern sense, while in a historical sense, they indicate that Plato’s utilitarian concept of literature and art is melting in the culture. And it is the overall manifestation of culture, rather than "literary." Literary connotations are constantly changing in different historical periods.The author believe that in the time of Plato, art is culture, literary utilitarian view is concept of Culture.In addition, if we analyze Plato’s Public and Laws, we can found in the modern sense, Plato’s main attitude toward literature is utilitarian. However, if we study carefully, we can found that his attitude toward literature is not only utilitarian,but aesthetic. He commended the beauty of literature and arts, and regarded that they are possessed by god. Thus, it is complex about Plato’s view of literature and arts.Generally speaking, the core idea of Plato is the relationship between goodness and beauty. Thus, this article puts literature and art in the context of ancient Greek. On basic of that, it analyzes Plato’s core idea emphatically. In conclusion, the author discussed the literary conception, structure, functional role, which i s mentioned above. This article re-understands Plato’s literature and art utilitarian, and points out the main features of literary utilitarian, that is, cultural integrity, neutral, diversity and continuity.In a word, Plato’s literary view has opened the world of contemplation, let us think more deeply on various issues.