Plato's Theory of Justice
Plato's Methodology
- Concerning Justice -
- It follows the style of dialogue between Socrates and his pupils (Sophists).
- Socrates compiles the answers of Sophist to his questions and demolishes them one by one. Ultimately, he offers his own answer. This embodies the Plato's theory of justice.
2. Dialectical Method -
- Introduced by Socrates himself.
- It employs the technique of undertaking a thorough examination of though from different schools and bringing forth inconsistencies, contradictions and shortcomings with a view to arrive at a tenable (logical/rational) position.
- Contradictory ideas clash they destroy each other's untenable parts and only truth is left behind.
- Clashes of 'thesis' (initial ideas) and 'antithesis' (opposite ideas) give birth to 'synthesis'.
3. Analogies -
- It is the style of referring to simple and familiar things in order to explain the complex and unfamiliar things.
- Plato uses analogies of craftsman and physician in dealing with the problems of administration. He says, only trained person will serve our purpose, for instance, only a qualified physician, and not a most handsome or eloquent one, can treat our illness.
4. Teleological Method -
- This method involves determining the nature of things with reference to the final cause or ultimate purpose for which they exist.
- Only by identifying and analyzing the psychology, capacity, field of interest and nature of man an 'ideal state' (Utopia or perfect society) can be created.
The Quest For Justice
Plato believes that human survival requires organization of a state or society because
man cannot exist independently (Greeks did not distinguish between
state and society). Along with survival, humans seek the means of good
life, which in turn arises the requirement of justice in society or
state.
The
quest for justice is reflected in the discussion between Socrates on
the one side and Cephalus (a wealthy aristocrat), Glaucon, Adeimantus
and Thrasymachus on the other side. Their discussion on what justice is
are summarized as bellow -
- Government is an art. Its prominent aim is the well-being of its clients (subjects), and not to earn profit for itself. He gives analogy of a physician. The true function of a physician is to cure a patient, and not to make money.
- When weak majority suffers unduly, it enters into contract among itself not to harm one another. In this way, laws are born and justice is done to all in the society or state.
Justice is relation among individual in their respective states. According to Plato, nature of justice in society or state changes with the nature of its residents in the following ways -
- Communism - State with simple men requires communism form of govt.
- Aristocracy - State with the men who are acquisitive, ambitious, competitive and jealous requires aristocracy form of govt.
- Democracy - Due to class division between rich and poor, there is class conflict between them. Rich class forms Plutocracy or Oligarchy form of govt. on the basis of their power of wealth. But, soon the poor class revolt against the rich and democracy replaces oligarchy.
- Tyranny - Those assuming power are soon trapped by hunger for money. Calling themselves the 'protector of the people' they rise to supreme power - tyranny of autocracy.
- Choosing the best ruler - Just like people choose meticulously there day to day needs, in they same way, they should elect the best and most qualified person as their ruler. Plato lament, unfortunately they are misled by demagogues.
- Different duties for different classes of citizens. Plato suggests that -
- people with desiring, acquisitive, and restless traits are fit for trade and industry.
- people with emotion and spirit are fit to work as solders.
- people with knowledge and learning are fit for ruling the society.
- Four cardinal virtues of justice -
- Temperance - befitting the traders class
- Courage - befitting the soldiers class
- Wisdom - befitting the philosopher class
- Justice - befitting the state or whole social order.
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