Plato’s Theories: Cosmology, Anthropology, Ethics, and Politics
The various ideas that make up these theories are related to the rest of the philosopher’s theory on the creation of the universe, man, ethics, and politics.
Plato’s Cosmology in Timaeus
In the Timaeus, Plato presents his cosmology. It can be summarized as follows: ideas exist eternally. The Demiurge contemplates these ideas and attempts to impose them on the field of matter, which is initially chaotic and disordered. The Demiurge models matter after the perfection and beauty of the ideas. The Demiurge is a benevolent being who seeks to imbue matter with the characteristics of the Ideas. Imperfections arise from the inherent imperfection of matter. The Demiurge is not a creator god, as it works with pre-existing material.
Plato’s Anthropology: The Nature of Man
Regarding anthropology, Plato conceives of man as a union between the immortal soul and the corruptible body. The soul governs human life, transmigrating from one body to another, and is the source of knowledge. In the Phaedo, the soul is simple and detached from passions. However, in the Phaedrus and Book IV of The Republic, the soul is presented as tripartite, illustrated by the myth of the winged chariot: reason (the charioteer), feelings (the white horse), and passions (the unruly horse). The dominant element determines the individual’s character: reason in rulers, irascibility in warriors, and concupiscence in the general population. Plato also locates these parts in specific body regions: the rational part in the brain, the irascible in the chest, and the concupiscible in the abdomen.
Plato’s Ethics and Politics: The Pursuit of the Good
Plato’s ethics are eudaimonistic, seeking the highest good and happiness (eudaimonia). This state of mind is achieved through the harmonious development of human personality, cultivated through the exercise of virtue. The three functions of the soul correspond to three virtues:
- The rational soul: wisdom or prudence.
- The irascible soul: courage or fortitude.
- The appetitive soul: temperance or moderation.
Justice is considered the balance of these three virtues.
The Ideal State and Social Structure
Perfection is only achievable in society. The State alone can ensure justice. Society should be structured into three classes of citizens: philosophers, warriors, and artisans, each dominated by one of the three types of soul. Justice in the state is the harmony of the three virtues. The two upper classes should not have private property or stable families.
Advancement in the social hierarchy requires rigorous education. Plato advocates for intellectual elitism. He also envisions a policy of eugenic selection and argues that governments have the right to exercise strict censorship because they possess knowledge of what is detrimental to the community. Both sexes should have equal rights and receive the same education.
Forms of Government
For Plato, the ideal form of government is monarchy (rule by the most capable). He describes a process of degeneration: monarchy degenerates into aristocracy, which then degenerates into oligarchy, and finally into democracy. Democracy leads to a crisis of authority and demagoguery. Tyranny is the most detestable form of government.