Plato, in books II and III, provides a very different form of education for his guardians-to-be, from the education, regarding music, that is presented in books VI and VII. Originally, during their youth, guardians-to-be are to be sensored by their parents from anything that would harm their development into perfect guardians of the city. However, it seems as if Plato realizes, in books VI and VII, that when the guardians-to-be are adult guardians they will need to be able to understand, or see, clearly what is good or bad on their own; as they will not have the protection of censorship from their parents. Therefore, it seems, the guardians should be open to all forms of music in order that they can distinguish, for themselves, the good and bad.
Plato's example of how color is only seen in the light is a great example of this because when music is put in the light one is able to tell if it is good or not.
I agree with what you have to say. Plato did indeed seem to have a change of heart in the readings VI and VII in regards to the music older guardians listened to. It seemed that while the guardians were at a young age Plato wanted to censor what music they were hearing. This was in hopes that when they got older the music would influence them to behave well. However now that the guardians are older Plato feels like it's okay to let the guardians hear different kinds of music. He thinks that this will help the guardians determine what is right and wrong on their own.
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