was an Athenian philosopher who is widely recognized among the most important philosophers of the Western world. 427-347 B.C.E.) B.C. Plato's ideal rulers are philosopher-kings. [Plato] was a disgruntled old man, full of political rancor, fearing and hating the crowd and above all their demagogues; his prejudices had crystallized and he had become an old doctrinaire, unable to see anything but the reflections of his own personality and to hear anything but the echoes of … In 387/388 he set up a school called Akademia in Athens. This justice was referred to everyone had the proper job in accordance to their … Learn how your comment data is processed. Yet, Plato said, in a democracy when we choose our political leaders we consult all the people—even the most ignorant among us. Plato was a great philosopher as well as a teacher whose most renowned student, Aristotle, holds differing views. In other important positions, I want someone who understands health care, the economy, the environment, and technology, not someone who only pretends to understand them. Plato’s Republic: Key Political Concepts in a Brief Summary . He goes to much effort to carefully set the scene of each dia- logue and to develop the personalities of each of the characters in them. Now none of this guarantees that will we get good politicians, nor that society will flourish as a result because even after long periods of training there are incompetent and immoral politicians, physicians and philosophy professors. In the Republic, the character of Socrates outlines an ideal city-state which he calls 'Kallipolis'. The presidential system we now use is clearly inferior to the parliamentary system used almost everywhere else. And if you want to understand the science of climate change, you would consult a climate scientist, not a scientifically illiterate politician. However, I am astonished that you (of all people) have come off your own well laid rails: i.e., “balderdash”?!? These three men are walking the path that Minos (a legendary lawgiver of Crete) and his father followed every nine years to receive the guidance of Zeus. As for the argument that leaders don’t have to know anything, just choose good experts to advise them, I say balderdash. • Plato may have traveled in Italy, Egypt to realize his aristocratic political dream. 2. “Should”, of course, assumes that “the people” aren’t as idiotic as many have shown themselves to be this year. But, as readers of this blog know, the best solution I know of to change our world is to use technology to change the human genome and the brain itself. [3], Karl Popper blamed Plato for the rise of totalitarianism in the 20th century, seeing Plato's philosopher kings, with their dreams of 'social engineering' and 'idealism', as leading directly to Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin (via Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Karl Marx respectively). He also argues that in a system in which everyone has a right to rule all sorts of selfish people who care nothing for the people but are only motivated by their own personal desires are able to attain power. Plato lists three classes in his ideal society. As these men trace Minos’ steps, they seek to discover what the best political system and laws are. A Summary of Plato’s Political Theory and American Politics 2016. The children's biological parents will never be known to them, so that no Guardian will prefer his or her own offspring over the common good. While Plato wrote in dialogue form—in large part because he … Now if you were trying to determine whether you needed heart surgery you would consult a cardiologist, not take a vote or ask the cashier in the checkout lane. In metaphysics Plato envisioned a systematic, rational treatment of the forms and their interrelations, starting with the most fundamental among them (the Good, or the One); in ethics and moral psychology he developed the view that the good life requires not just a certain kind of knowledge (as Socrates had suggested) but also habituation to healthy emotional responses and therefore harmony between the … The sailors don't even know that there is such a thing as the craft of navigation. The idea here is that somebody who has gone through this educational process would earn a bipartisan seal of approval that should provide an advantage in electoral campaigns. The more experienced graduates could also be candidates for appointed offices. Required fields are marked *. Most people look to Republic and Laws to begin to see Plato’s political thoughts. Suppose your philosophy professor says he had never had a philosophy class, but that he got the job because he knows the dean. Learn More . He had given it a direction, a basis and a vision. They manipulate and trick the owner into giving over the helm. It just popped into my mind as a funny word. This is a radical solution, but the best one I know of. His relationship with Aristotle was also realized … Plato finds the origin of the state in the various needs of people.Noboby is self-sufficient.So,to meet the various needs men created the political institution.To Plato,in the beginning there was only one class namely the producing class.Then emerged the guardian … He became a student of Socrates and was deeply moved by his views. And what not. Mr. Hart, if you don’t like “balderdash”, perhaps you could approve of “stultiloquence” or “blatherskite”. Politics, his work on political philosophy major result of these experiences, which sit the legitimacy of this work. This page was last edited on 26 July 2020, at 09:14. Based on ancient sources, most modern scholars believe that he was born in Athens or Aegina between 429 and 423 BC. Since running the society is of the utmost importance, Plato believed it imperative that those holding political positions be at least minimally knowledgeable of politics, history, economics, science and more. Plato's political philosophy, my aim is not to give a précis of the dialogues that could be read in their stead, but rather to concentrate on a few of what seem to me to be the most fundamental and persisting issues. These conversations often ascend to lofty, theoretical questions, but they typically involve commonplace subjects, such as cooking, horse t… They cannot. I. The true captain represents a philosopher-king, who knows the forms of justice and goodness.[2]. But surely the fact that physicians, nurses, attorneys, physicists, and philosophers endure long periods of training and must pass multiple examinations makes them more likely to be qualified to do their jobs than if they were chosen randomly or by a vote of the ignorant. But the most astounding aspect of Plato (written in the Republic and that has erupted the world) was his “political philosophy”. Plato’s dialogues are not just great works of philosophy; they are also recognized as great literary works as well. Plato argued that we can’t have a good life without good government, and he also believed that we can’t have good governments without intellectually and morally excellent leaders. An ideal society consists of three main classes of peopleproducers (craftsmen, farmers, artisans, etc. I very much like Plato’s idea of the professionally trained politician. By contrast, suppose your physician told you that she knows nothing of medicine, but the free market lets anyone practice so she thought she would give it a go. Take a second to support Dr John Messerly on Patreon! Much of the conversation in the dialogues does not deal with abstract speculation but with ordinary, everyday matters. Surely all of this is insane! Plato's political philosophy has thus often been considered totalitarian. Since individuals, dominated by their own desires and lusts, would vie for power and become embroiled in political conflict, democracy would tend toward entropy. One is frequently amazed at just how dramatic many of these dialogues are, considering their lofty topics. Guardians/Soldiers: Those who keep order in the society and protect it from invaders. Platos Contribution In Political Science Philosophy Essay. Contrary to societal values at the time, Socrates suggests that sex should not be a factor in deciding who should rule, so women as well as men can rule. In Ms. Clinton we have a candidate who closely approximates that ideal — and the fact that she will almost surely win the election does provide some comfort regarding the wisdom of “the people”. How can an ignorant person even identify knowledgeable ones? 988 words (4 pages) Essay. The ontological dualism. IV. The Theory of the Ideas and plato’S ontology. It was a great drawback on the part of the Sophists. Three elderly men are walking from Cnossos to the sacred cave and sanctuary of Zeus located on Mount Ida. And thoughtful men need to thank them in diverse and and profound ways over the next decade or two (though we’ll surely forget, but perhaps they’ll remind us). Plato is also considered the founder of Western political philosophy. http://www.theaudiopedia.com What is PLATO'S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY? This setting is crucially linked to the theme of the Laws. He concludes that democracy risks bringing dictators, tyrants, and demagogues to power. Like most other ancient philosophers, Plato maintains a virtue-based eudaemonistic conception of ethics. Reason served the end of the political and was not conceived of as an independent high good in-and-of-itself. This raises the vexing issue of the value of democracy in an increasingly complex society. In his dialogue The Republic, Plato lays out an educational plan to help ensure, as far as possible, that politicians—like physicians, attorneys, nurses, physicists, and philosophy professors—are educated in areas relevant to making important decisions for the society. III. Like Minos, they too wil… From his forties to his trip to Southern Italy, his work was largely influenced by his teacher. Sometimes they are even chosen because they are actors, athletes, or ignorant celebrities. Political philosophy, branch of philosophy that is concerned, at the most abstract level, with the concepts and arguments involved in political opinion. [We might also consider some minimal qualifications for voting too, as so many are low information voters.]. Unlike most philosophers, Aristotles political experience is undeniable as he was tutor of Alexander the Great, King of Macedonias. We will write a custom Essay on Philosophy: Plato’s Republic versus Aristotle’s Politics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page. Plato’s political philosophy is the first great theoretical examination of political life and is arguably the core of Plato’s philosophy generally: his most comprehensive and well-known work, the Republic, centers on the basic political question of justice. Jowet rightly pronounced that Plato as father of philosophy, politics and literary idealism. They could start at any level they choose: local, state, or federal. Plato had also attended courses of philosophy; before meeting Socrates, he first became acquainted with Cratylus (a disciple of Heraclitus, a prominent pre-Socratic Greek philosopher) and the Heraclitean doctrines. Jefferson was a strong advocate for trusting the people, and he offered two key arguments. To identify moral individuals we might use Plato’s model of observing people for many years to assess their moral virtue, or we may prefer the one used for centuries in ancient China—the Imperial Exams. You want those who practice to be qualified. I want a physician to treat me, not someone who plays one on TV. We have all had the notion driven into our heads that democracy is the highest and best form of political structure. Philosopher Kings: are the most intelligent, rational, self-controlled, in love with wisdom, and well suited to make decisions for the community, and who promote the interests of the society as a whole. Seems relevant to this post. Before we start harumphing at you. If you want to know about the merits of a lawsuit you would consult an attorney, not a pharmacist or plumber. 1st Jan 1970 Philosophy Reference this Disclaimer: This work has been submitted by a university student. While Republic can be read, as a whole, as a work of formal political philosophy, Plato’s specific thoughts concerning the nature of the supposed ideal city (his political philosophy) come out in Books… Plato’s political theory will be our best focal point. Producers or Workers: The laborers who make the goods and services in the society. PLATO (428-348 b.C.) Plato's political philosophy has been the subject of much criticism. D. A. Uriarte. Good Lord, man, what next? But I do know what Mr. Hart means. Plato’s arguments in favour of the Theory of the Ideas. Plato was a Greek philosopher known and recognized for having allowed such a considerable philosophical work. He also claims that democracies have leaders without proper skills or morals and that it is quite unlikely that the best equipped to rule will come to power. I have corresponded with a few professional philosophers who are always saying things like “I’m meant to reply but alas …” And I always thought that was a bit pompous. Although I would prefer that the faculty consist of faculty from accredited universities, perhaps we could make it more palatable by using retired members of Congress for faculty. THE MYTH OF THE CAVERN, COMPENDIUM OF PLATO’S PHILOSOPHY. Subscribe to ReasonandMeaning and receive notifications of new posts by email. A Summary of Plato’s Political Theory and American Politics 2016 October 24, 2016 Plato, Politics - General Plato argued that we can’t have a good life without good government, and he also believed that we can’t have good governments without intellectually and morally excellent leaders. To understand why we need intelligent and knowledgeable individuals occupying the most important positions in society, Plato invites us to consider the following: if we want good health care we consult physicians and nurses; if we desire legal advice we consult attorneys; if we want to construct buildings or bridges we consult engineers and architects; etc. Yet the popularity of Mr. Trump provides compelling evidence that “the people” are idiots. The philosopher came from one of the wealthiest and most politically active families in Athens. Coming from a distinguished family - on his father’s side descending from Codrus, one of the early kings of Athens, and on his mother’s side from Solon, the prominent reformer of the Athenian constitution - he was naturally destined to take an active role in political life… The children of the guardian class will be tested, and only the most wise and virtuous will become rulers. Graduates of the college would then go through apprenticeships in low-level positions attached to various politicians. The dialogue is set on the Greek island of Crete in the 4th century B.C.E. Now I do realize that intellectual excellence is merely a necessary and not a sufficient condition for good governing, but necessary it is. That is to say, happiness or well-being (eudaimonia) is the highest aim of moral thought and conduct, and the virtues (aretê : ‘excellence’) … The THEORY OF The IDEAS And PLATO’S EPISTEMOLOGY. Plato was the first organized political theorist and a study of the western philosophy of tradition begins with his masterwork, the Republic. Given the obvious fact that a President Trump would be catastrophic for our republic, this system is far too dangerous. Plato and Aristotle (Introduction to Greek Philosophy) TIP: Despite the useful truths on this page and its videos, the Greeks need to be understood in their own time.Both Plato and Aristotle are idealists compared to empirically minded figures like Hobbes or Hume.So while the idealist / realist dichotomy works as a comparison of the Greeks, it doesn’t hold up as a timeless truth. Introduction. Plato’s political philosophy is much discussed and debated. In Plato's Republic, Socrates is highly critical of democracy and proposes an aristocracy ruled by philosopher-kings. Have you mounted some sort of high-horse? [1], In the Republic, Plato's Socrates raises a number of objections to democracy. You can view samples of our professional work here. A parliamentary system permits the weirdo candidates to have their parties without disturbing the mainstream. Platos strategy in The Republic is to first explicate the primary notion of societal, or political, justice, and then to derive an analogous concept of individual justice. In Plato's Republic, Socrates is highly critical of democracy and proposes an aristocracy ruled by philosopher-kings. Plato's political philosophy has thus often been considered totalitarian. II. I. [4], Plato: Political philosophy - Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosopher king - Encyclopedia Britannica, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Plato%27s_political_philosophy&oldid=969581778, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. By coincidence, CGP Grey just released a video on his YouTube channel summarizing the thesis of a modern day revisiting of “The Prince,” called “The Dictator’s Handbook,” by Alastair Smith. Plato describes the nature of justice in this influential work of political philosophy, the Republic. [1], Plato, through the character of Socrates, gives an analogy related to democracy: he asks us to imagine a ship whose owner surpasses all those on the ship in height and strength, but is slightly deaf; his vision is similarly impaired and his knowledge of navigation is just as bad. Until his mid-twenties, Athens was involved in a long and disastrous military conflict with Sparta, known as the Peloponnesian War. In either case, you would not feel good about the situation. The second argument was that there would always be so many competing factions in a democracy that they would cancel out their worst elements and only the best policies would survive. What does PLATO'S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY mean? His execution for the supporters of democracy led Plato to give up his political career and become an enemy of decisive democracy. He then asks us to imagine the sailors, all of which are arguing about who should have control of the helm while none of them have studied navigation. Each group must perform its appro… I don’t think I’ve ever used it in print before. In addition, Plato thought that the ruling class should be morally excellent, and in The Republic, he lays out a plan to ensure, as far as humanly possible, that virtuous individuals compose the ruling class. Plato's involvement to the western political thought is immense. Plato was the innovator of the written dialogue and dialectic forms in philosophy. Summary: Plato (ca. The Socrates seen in Plato’s dialogues converses with extraordinarily diverse interlocutors, including, inter alia, aristocrats, slaves, soldiers, rhetoricians, playwrights, sophists, pre-Socratic philosophers, and, in the Apology, a large assembly of jurors. 1. In the Republic, discussion about justice was in the first hierarchy, because Plato thought this justice would lead to “ideal state (utopia)”. The true captain, the one with the knowledge of navigation is seen as a useless stargazer and never becomes the helmsman. His most famous contribution is the theory of Forms known by pure reason, in which Plato presents a solution to the problem of universals known as Platonism (also ambiguously called either Platonic realism or Platonic idealism). Socrates proposes that the Guardians should mate and reproduce, and that the children will be raised communally rather than by their biological parents. As for the moral component, this is a more difficult thing to recognize. This second argument was nullified by the two-party system. Because the faculty would be selected by Congress, it would not be tainted in the minds of right-wing voters as just another ivory tower of leftist fanatics. One of the greatest thinkers in the history of philosophy, Plato was born in Athens as the son of a noble family. Now all of this is relevant to the American political system where those who run for political office often have no relevant knowledge of the issues; often they are ignorant of economics, science, political theory, history, religion, nuclear weapons, and more. As we say in the suburbs, “tut, tut, indeed.” That is, get a grip, sir. Doc, you are spot on, as usual, especially about women saving us, cause the data clearly suggests they will, thank Sagan. The fatal flaw of the two-party system is illustrated by the current election: a dangerous candidate who gets a plurality of the votes in primaries can end up winning the nomination, and party loyalty then gives him a real shot at winning the election. Suppose that Congress created, funded, and selected staff for a “College of American Politics”. Not only are they the most wise, but they are also virtuous and selfless. 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