In my opinion, the comments in Plato’s essays pertaining to Greek culture in reference to the arts are absolutely sacrilegious. According to Plato, art is insidious because it has the power to bewitch the soul and compel strong and decadent emotions from those whom it affects. The thought of that is absolutely disgusting. Art, poetry, and music are all examples of emotional outlets used to express oneself through creativity. Not only do the arts build upon one's psychological and cognitive domains, but they also utilize the mind to convey what words cannot express.
It seems like Plato wants a world without feeling.
Music has always been a part of my life. I've played the (french--for the musically inept) horn for 12 years and couldn't picture a day where music doesn't effect my life in some small way. Not only do I play music, but I also teach it. So, that means according to Plato I would be corrupting the young. I am hardly doing so. I feel that I am giving my students the chance to express themselves and become more in tune to what they consider to be aesthetically pleasing. I know that through music I have been able to leap hurdles and cross boundaries that are indescribable, and I don't understand how this is a poison for my soul.
It seems like Plato wanted to live in a world where everything was methodical. He wanted everyone to think alike and for everything to have an explanation. Sometimes I believe that words cheapen the sentimental value of what one is trying to portray.