Can the philosopher's
republic work in today's society?
In chapter 5, The
Philosopher-King, section 8c states "The Republic reveals Plato’s
view that a good life can be lived only in a good society because no one can
live a truly good life in an irrational, imbalanced society. Nor can one live a
truly good life without having some social activities, obligations, and concerns. Plato
said that society originates because no individual is self-sufficient. The just
or ideal state meets three basic categories of needs: (1) nourishing needs
(food, shelter, clothing); (2) protection needs (military, police); (3)
ordering needs (leadership, government). These needs are best met by members of
three corresponding classes of people: (1) workers (computer programmer,
banker, truck driver); (2) warriors (soldiers, police officers, firefighters);
(3) guardians (philosopher-kings). A state is “just” when it functions
fully. An unjust state is dysfunctional; it fails to meet some essential need.
Only when all classes of people are virtuous according to their natures is the state whole,
healthy, balanced, and just. The good life is nothing more—or less—than each individual
functioning well according to his or her own nature, in a state that is
well-ordered and wisely ruled."
The
idea behind the republic that Plato suggests makes sense. If you look at the
larger picture, not everyone is fit to lead. Some people are better workers,
some do better as protectors, and others are meant to lead. If everyone played
their role in society, in theory, people would live happily and with an
understood order. Those who were chosen to rule have been enlightened and have
more knowledge to rule for the community. The book states in chapter 5 section
8, The Rule of the Wise, that "Plato’s fundamental vision
is deliberately hierarchical and aristocratic rather than egalitarian and
democratic." Plato thought there were different types of people with
different strengths to be used for the community as a whole.
In
today's society, Plato's idea of this Utopia would not work. People would not
willingly submit themselves to a certain role based on their level of intelligence.
The idea of a class system would not be seen as Plato meant for it to be in our
democracy. I do not think some people are better than others and should be
forced to a way of life they are not happy with, but if this theory could be
implemented in a just manner, we would benefit. Even today we have those who
lead naturally, and those have proven to be much more intelligent than others.
Because our culture has almost become spoiled with participation metals and
given credit just for trying, we have given ourselves a false sense of
confidence. People think they all are fit for the highest job, and it just
simply is not true. Different people excel at different things and that is
okay. There is too much pride and ego to play any other role other than the philosopher
or king. Our reason has become a dim light to our appetites.
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