Comments on Matthew Arnold’s “Philistinism in England and America” (A Plato Critique)
Comments on Matthew Arnold’s “Philistinism in England and America” In his essay, “Philistinism in England and America,” Matthew Arnold examines the ancient ideas of Plato in the context of a twentieth century, capitalist society. As he agrees with almost all of what Plato had to say, he also admits that he is outdated, and that some of his teachings cannot be applied to us, living in an industrial superpower such as the United States. Still, though, Arnold defends the ancient philosopher. Education as a route to mental and physical righteousness is always a good idea, whether it is in modern America or Ancient Greece. I disagree with this, and it is here that I must contest the writings of Plato, as well as the essay by Arnold, for he is definitely a strong backer of the ancient ideals. In Plato’s mind, the value of an education is to clear one’s mind of impure thought, bring it to a higher lever than at the start, and attain a certain level of righteousness. This may have been a go
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Ancient Greece, BC Plato, According Plato, Ancient Greeks, Matthew Arnold, United Arnold, England America, england america, philistinism england america, Philistinism England, philistinism england, righteousness idea, ancient greeks,
Approximate Word count = 674
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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