In Plato's Republic,Socrates discusses the concept of the myth of the metals. Socrates declares that all people are born from the Earth and contain certain hereditary metals that determine the role each person has in society with gold being the highest and the metal for rulers, silver being for auxiliaries, and iron being reserved for the craftsmen and farmers. Socrates believes this idea ties people to their Earth Mother “,they are bound to advise for her good, and to defend her against attacks
Essentially, Socrates uses the noble lie to replace political deliberation, generational strife and instability with a myth. By having “gods” choose the distinct social and political classes, the inner most qualities of the soul are made transparent, and the right work is assigned to each soul, therefore the city is just. The noble lie seeks to provide a foundation for a mythical fraternity among society, which Socrates maintains is impossible and could only be implemented
helping to create and maintain the perfect society. As the dialogue progresses the purpose and explanation of education becomes more advanced and detailed. Socrates, Plato’s mouthpiece in the dialog, begins by describing the guardian’s education as a way to shape their character and properly look after the well being of the citizens. Socrates then goes on to explain more deeply the role of philosopher-kings and their education through the allegory of the cave. Given the role and importance of education