Prose Set Text Group 1 (2025–26): Plato, Republic Book 1, 327a–332b — OCR A-Level Greek

Plato's Republic Book 1 (327a–332b) introduces Socrates' dialectical method and the first definitions of justice, as Cephalus and Polemarchus offer traditional views that Socrates challenges. This OCR A-Level Greek set text requires close reading of the original Greek, focusing on vocabulary, syntax, and philosophical argumentation.

This set text covers the opening of Plato's Republic, where Socrates engages in dialogue with Cephalus and Polemarchus at the Piraeus during a festival. The passage 327a–332b introduces the central question of the Republic: 'What is justice?' Socrates uses his characteristic method of elenchus (cross-examination) to challenge traditional definitions, revealing their inadequacies and setting the stage for the larger philosophical inquiry that follows.

The text is rich in linguistic and philosophical content. Students must grapple with key Greek vocabulary such as 'δίκαιος' (just), 'ὀφειλόμενα' (owed), 'ὠφελεῖν' (to benefit), and 'βλάπτειν' (to harm). The dialogue also showcases Socratic irony and the use of analogies from crafts (τέχναι) to test definitions. Understanding the dramatic context—Cephalus' departure to sacrifice and Polemarchus' inheritance of the argument—is crucial for interpreting the philosophical progression.

This passage is foundational for the rest of the Republic, as it prefigures the more sophisticated definitions of justice proposed by Thrasymachus and Glaucon later in Book 1 and beyond. For OCR A-Level Greek, students are expected to translate, analyse, and comment on the Greek text, demonstrating both linguistic accuracy and philosophical insight. Mastery of this passage is essential for success in the examination.

• →Socratic method (elenchus): Socrates questions interlocutors to expose contradictions in their beliefs, leading to aporia (bewilderment).
• →Cephalus' definition of justice: 'speaking the truth and returning what one has received' (331c), which is refuted by the example of returning a weapon to a madman.
• →Polemarchus' definition: 'benefiting friends and harming enemies' (332a-b), which Socrates challenges by questioning the nature of justice as a craft and the morality of harming others.
• →The ambiguity of 'τὰ ὀφειλόμενα' (what is owed) and its role in the argument.
• →The use of analogies from crafts (medicine, navigation, cooking) to test definitions of justice.

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the set text
• Appreciate the literary context through reading relevant sections in English translation
• Understand the social, cultural and historical contexts of the text, author and audience
• Identify, analyse and evaluate literary techniques and characterisation
• Analyse the strength of argument and literary meaning
• Use appropriate technical terms in English to describe literary techniques
• Select relevant information from the text to support arguments
• Present information in a clear, concise and coherent manner

• 💡Ensure familiarity with the English translation of the surrounding context (Republic 1, 331c to 336a) to support analysis
• 💡Focus on the development of the argument between Socrates and his interlocutors
• 💡Use specific examples from the Greek text to support points about characterisation or rhetorical technique
• 💡Be prepared to discuss the social and cultural context of the Piraeus setting and the characters involved
• 💡Always quote the Greek text in your answers, even if the question does not explicitly ask for it. This demonstrates close reading and earns marks for language analysis.
• 💡Pay attention to the dramatic context: Cephalus leaves to sacrifice, and Polemarchus takes over. This is a deliberate narrative device by Plato to shift the argument.
• 💡When discussing definitions, use the Greek terms (e.g., 'δίκαιος', 'ὀφειλόμενα') and explain their nuances. Avoid vague English paraphrases.

• Misconception: Cephalus and Polemarchus have the same definition of justice. Correction: Cephalus' definition is passive (returning what is received), while Polemarchus adds an active element (benefiting friends and harming enemies).
• Misconception: Socrates accepts Polemarchus' definition. Correction: Socrates refutes it by showing that harming enemies cannot be a function of justice, as it makes them more unjust.
• Misconception: 'τὰ ὀφειλόμενα' only means 'debts' in a financial sense. Correction: It means 'what is owed' or 'due', which can include non-financial obligations, as Socrates exploits.

1. 1Week 1: Read the passage in translation to grasp the overall argument. Then work through the Greek text line by line, translating and annotating vocabulary and syntax.
2. 2Week 2: Focus on the philosophical arguments: identify the definitions of justice and Socrates' refutations. Write short summaries of each section (327a-331c, 331c-332b).
3. 3Week 3: Practice past exam questions, especially translation and commentary. Use the mark scheme to understand what is expected.
4. 4Week 4: Revise key Greek vocabulary and phrases. Create flashcards for important terms like 'ὀφειλόμενα', 'ὠφελεῖν', 'βλάπτειν'. Do a timed essay under exam conditions.

• 📋Translation: You will be asked to translate a passage from the set text into English. Practice with unseen passages from the same section.
• 📋Commentary: You will be given a short extract and asked to comment on its content, style, and significance. Focus on literary devices, philosophical points, and Greek word choices.
• 📋Essay: You may be asked to discuss a theme, such as the nature of justice or the role of Socrates. Structure your essay with a clear thesis, evidence from the Greek, and a conclusion.
• 📋Short-answer questions: These may test specific details, such as the order of the argument or the meaning of a particular phrase.