Skip to main content

TED-Ed

Sign in

Plato's allegory of the ring - Alex Gendler

2,926,483 Views

1,780 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

More than 2,000 years ago, the Greek philosopher Plato recounted the legend of the Ring of Gyges in “Republic.” The story of the ring surfaces as the philosopher, Socrates, and his student discuss why people act justly: is it because it’s what’s right? Or because it’s a convention that’s enforced through punishment and reward? Alex Gendler shares the allegory of the ill-gotten, magical ring.

Watch
Think
Dig Deeper
Discuss
Customize this lesson
70

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

Read an in-depth analysis of Plato’s argument, see how it relates to other parts of Plato’s philosophy like the Theory of Forms, and check out some challenges and rebuttals from contemporary philosophers. The best way to understand the story of the Ring of Gyges, however, is to dive right into Plato’s Republic, where the parable originally appears.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

Educator
Alex Gendler
Director
Vitalii Nebelskyi, and action creative agency
Narrator
Addison Anderson
Storyboard Artist
Olya Barabakh
Animator
Teymuraz Bzikadze, Olya Barabakh
Art Director
Vitalii Nebelskyi
Composer
Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio
Sound Designer
Amanda P.H. Bennett, cAMP Studio
Director of Production
Gerta Xhelo
Producer
Anna Bechtol
Associate Producer
Abdallah Ewis
Editorial Producer
Alex Rosenthal, Cella Wright
Additional Collaborator
Michael Vazquez