Plato’s Political Philosophy: Society, Justice, and Governance
Plato’s Political Inquiries
Plato had political interests from a very young age, and he was disillusioned by the political system due to his lack of faith in the system’s ideas. He reflected on the immortal soul and its care. The dependence of this soul should shape policy.
Organization of Society: The Republic
The Republic describes an ideal state of being, where justice can function well. When the soul is just, each part fulfills its function, regardless of the state itself. The state is divided into three classes:
Rulers (Philosophers)
Those who dominate the rational part of the soul must embrace philosophy and lead the government. Their virtue is prudence and wisdom, which helps them exercise their authority energetically and fairly, leading to good ideas through justice.
Warrior-Guardians
Those in whom the irascible part of the soul predominates must defend the people from both internal and external enemies. Their main virtues are strength and valor. They are chosen from among the citizens as the wisest and most courageous.
Producers
Those in whom the concupiscible soul predominates take charge of producing the goods needed for their class and all others. In return, they receive guidance, and their virtue is temperance. They are the only ones who have the right to private property. When each estate fulfills its function, justice will prevail.
Plato established that rulers and warriors should subordinate their ambitions to the interests of the state. They ought not to possess private property or families but live in a community of women and children, sharing all goods. This subordination of the individual to society might be considered by some as subhuman, which could be Plato’s reaction to the corruption of the upper classes.
Plato reflects:
- Neither the city nor the person can be happy without a life guided by wisdom and governed by justice.
- The rulers are respected if they appear to know how to control their desires and serve the laws.
- No city can be at peace with few inhabitants, as all must eat and drink.
Although this form of state is a classic division of society, Plato includes modern ideas, such as including women in class and education, and claiming that membership in one class or another is not based on wealth or inheritance, but according to the skills of the child.
Historical Forms of Government
The form of government explained in the Republic is utopian, as its characteristics resemble the world of ideas, but it is impossible to achieve. In contrast to the great perfection of this state are the historical forms of government that have existed, which Plato does not consider fair and permanent orders.
Aristocracy
The government is taken by the wise who have the greatest degree of knowledge, but sometimes they lose power and the military alliance, whereby wisdom is not the only value.
Timocracy
A type of government led by warriors, characterized by desire and ambition. This form of government has order but lacks justice. Without guiding wisdom, it is delivered to the accumulation of wealth and power. As generations pass, the military’s children easily become accommodated in power and lose their qualities.