"Rule of philosopher-kings is the logical conclusion of Plato's theory of justice" Elaborate and comment (150 words, 20 marks)
Introduction
'Plato's theory of justice' is based on reasoning and understanding which is complemented by 'philosopher king' who rules the 'ideal state'. In order to produce 'philosopher-kings' to rule the 'ideal state', Plato offers his own education system, social class division, and a different lifestyle of 'guardian class'.
Plato's theory of justice
Plato left Athens in pursuit of knowledge and returns back after twelve years. In order to arrive at an 'ideal state or society' or his 'theory of justice', Plato uses a number of techniques, which may be summarized as bellow:
- Technique of 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.
- Dialectical technique -
- This employs the technique of undertaking a thorough examination of ideas from different schools of thoughts, and bringing forth inconsistencies, contradictions and shortcomings in order to arrive at a tenable (logical/rational) position.
- Contradictory ideas clash and 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'.
- Technique of Analogy -
- 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.
- 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.
- Temperance -
- It refers to the tendency of acquiring material goods more and more. Plato thinks that the people prominently demonstrating this trait are fit for trade and commerce.
- Courage -
- Courage refers to emotion and boldness. Plato tells that the people having this trait in dominance are fit to become soldiers.
- Wisdom -
- This means abysmal knowledge and awareness. Plato thinks that people having wisdom are superior to the above two classes, i.e, trader class and soldier class. Only and only these are eligible for ruling the society. Hence, Plato calls them the philosopher class.
- Justice -
- By Justice, Plato means a society or state where each and every person is happy. And this should be the demand of the whole social order.
Plato concludes that the True justice is arrived at only when these four cardinal virtues work in harmony with each other.
Conclusion
Plato's theory of justice is totally based on reasons and understanding, that was the demand of the contemporary society. His theory of justice is to some extent is relevant in the modern world as well. In the era of world of restlessness and unstability, 'philosopher king' are the needs of and hour today.
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