Plato's Theory| Western Political Thinkers

Plato (428/427 BC – 348/347 BC) was a Greek philosopher and student of Socrates. He is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Western philosophy and is known for his ideas on metaphysics, ethics, politics, and epistemology.

Plato founded the Academy in Athens, which was one of the first institutions of higher learning in the Western world. He wrote many philosophical works, including "The Republic," "The Symposium," and "The Phaedo." In his writings, Plato often used dialogues to present his ideas, with the character of Socrates as the main interlocutor.

Plato's philosophy was deeply influenced by his belief in the existence of eternal and unchanging forms or ideas, which he believed were the true reality. He also believed in the concept of an ideal state, which he described in detail in "The Republic." Plato's ideas have had a lasting impact on Western thought and continue to be studied and debated today.

To understand Plato’s theory, his purpose needs to be understood. He wanted to create an Ideal State and according to him a Just State is an Ideal State. Hence the theory of idea and theory of justice took its birth. And as he ventured in this path other theories came along. For example to create an ideal state he propounded the theory of philosopher king and the theory of Myth of metal and earth born. To give effect to it he gave theory of education and theory of communism. His theory can be studied under the following heads.

Plato’s Work:

1.       Theory of Ideas

2.       Theory of Justice

3.       Theory of Myth of metal and earth born(Theory of soul)

4.       Theory of Philosopher king

5.       Theory of education

6.       Theory of ideal state

7.       Theory of communism

Theory of Ideas:

Plato's theory of ideas, also known as his theory of forms, is one of his most significant contributions to philosophy. According to this theory, there is a realm of abstract entities or "Forms" that exist beyond the physical world. These Forms are perfect and eternal, and they represent the true reality. The physical world, in contrast, is imperfect and subject to change, and it merely reflects or imitates the Forms.

Plato was influenced by the theory of knowledge by Socrates and believed that the Forms are the ultimate source of all knowledge and that they can be apprehended only through reason or intuition, rather than through the senses. For example, he believed that we can recognize beauty in the physical world only because we have an innate understanding of the Form of Beauty, which exists in the realm of Forms. In other words according to Plato there are two types of knowledge, one is perceived by senses which he called illusion and the other can be perceived through reason which he called ultimate.

In this regard he gave his allegory of cave. In the allegory, Plato uses the image of prisoners who have been chained in a cave since birth and can only see the shadows of objects cast on the wall in front of them. These prisoners believe that the shadows are the only reality, as they have never experienced anything else.

Plato argues that the prisoners in the cave are like ordinary people who are unable to see beyond the material world and are trapped in a world of appearances. The philosopher, on the other hand, is like a person who has been freed from the cave and can see the world outside in its true form.

The allegory suggests that people can be ignorant of the truth, believing only in what they see or experience, and that knowledge and understanding require effort and the ability to see beyond the surface of things. It also suggests that the pursuit of wisdom and truth requires breaking free from the chains of ignorance and learning to see things as they truly are.

Plato believed that the philosopher had a responsibility to lead others out of the darkness of ignorance and into the light of truth, much like the freed prisoner in the allegory. The Allegory of the Cave has had a significant influence on philosophy and has been interpreted in many different ways, but its central message of the importance of pursuing knowledge and truth remains relevant to this day.

Plato also believed that the Forms are interrelated and that they are hierarchical, with the most fundamental Forms at the top. The Form of the Good, which represents ultimate goodness and truth, is at the very top of the hierarchy.

Plato's theory of ideas has been widely debated and criticized over the centuries. Some critics have argued that the theory is too abstract and that it is impossible to prove the existence of the Forms. Others have suggested that the theory is too idealistic and that it does not adequately account for the complexity and diversity of the physical world. Despite these criticisms, however, Plato's theory of ideas remains an important and influential philosophical concept.

Theory of Justice:

Plato's theory of justice is developed in his book "The Republic," where he explores the idea of an ideal state and the role of justice in it. According to Plato, justice is a fundamental virtue that allows individuals and societies to achieve harmony, stability, and flourishing.

Before coming to conclusion he referred to dialectics (debate) in his book Republic where his teacher Socrates tries to find out the idea of justice by debating with various scholars like Cephalous, Polemarchus, Thasymachus and Galucon.

Plato defines justice as a state of the soul in which each part of the soul performs its proper function. The soul has three parts: reason, spirit, and desire. Reason is responsible for wisdom and decision-making, spirit for courage and determination, and desire for appetites and desires. When these three parts of the soul are in balance and each performs its proper function, the soul is just.

Plato extends this idea of justice to the state, arguing that a just society is one in which each person performs their proper function according to their nature and abilities. In such a society, there is harmony and cooperation between individuals, and everyone contributes to the common good.

Plato believes that the best form of government is a "philosopher-kingdom" ruled by philosopher-kings who possess both wisdom and virtue. These rulers would be able to discern what is just and act accordingly, ensuring that the society they govern is just and harmonious.

Plato's theory of justice has been criticized for its elitism and lack of practicality. Some have argued that it is unrealistic to expect everyone to perform their proper function, and that it is unjust to limit people's opportunities based on their nature and abilities. Nevertheless, Plato's theory of justice remains a significant contribution to the field of political philosophy and continues to be studied and debated today.

Myth of metal and earth born:

The myth of the metals, also known as the myth of the earthborn, is a famous allegory used by Plato in "The Republic" to explain his theory of justice and the ideal state.

According to the myth, human beings were originally created by the gods from a mixture of metals. Those with gold in their composition were meant to be rulers, those with silver were to be auxiliaries or warriors, and those with bronze or iron were to be farmers or artisans.

Plato suggests that this division was meant to ensure that each individual performed their proper function according to their nature and abilities, and that the state as a whole would function harmoniously.

The myth also explains the idea that people should stay within their designated roles and not try to move up or down the social hierarchy. Those born with gold in their composition should remain rulers, even if they are not suited to the role, and those born with bronze or iron should remain farmers or artisans, even if they have the potential to become rulers or warriors.

Plato uses the myth of the metals to argue for the idea of a merit-based society, where individuals are given positions based on their abilities and character rather than their social class or birth. He believed that this was the key to a just and harmonious society.

The myth of the metals has been interpreted in different ways over the years, and some have criticized it for promoting a rigid and unfair social hierarchy. Nevertheless, it remains an important and influential part of Plato's philosophy and continues to be studied and debated today.

Theory of Philosopher King:

Plato's theory of the philosopher-king is a central idea in his philosophy, particularly in his book "The Republic". According to Plato, the ideal ruler for a just society is a philosopher who possesses both wisdom and virtue.

Plato believed that philosophers, as lovers of wisdom, have the ability to see beyond the superficialities of the world and to discern what is truly just and good. They are able to recognize the Forms or eternal ideas that underlie the physical world and to apply this knowledge to governing a society.

Plato argued that the philosopher-king should be educated in philosophy, mathematics, and other subjects, as well as trained in physical fitness and martial arts. They should also undergo a rigorous process of moral and intellectual development to ensure that they possess the virtues of wisdom, courage, and self-control.

Plato believed that the philosopher-king should rule in the best interests of the people, rather than for their own personal gain. They should be motivated by a love of wisdom and a desire to serve the common good, rather than by a desire for power or wealth.

Plato's theory of the philosopher-king has been criticized for its elitism and impracticality, as it is difficult to find individuals who possess the necessary qualities of wisdom and virtue to rule justly. However, the idea of the philosopher-king continues to be studied and debated in philosophy and political theory. It remains an influential concept for those interested in the nature of good governance and the relationship between knowledge, power, and ethics.

Theory of Education:

Plato's theory of education is a key aspect of his philosophy, particularly in his book "The Republic". According to Plato, education is essential to the development of a just and harmonious society.

Plato believed that education should aim to develop the individual's ability to reason and to discern what is truly just and good. He saw education as a process of moving from ignorance to knowledge, from opinion to truth, and from the world of appearances to the world of Forms.

Plato believed that education should be comprehensive, encompassing all areas of knowledge, including philosophy, mathematics, science, literature, music, and physical education. He believed that education should be holistic, focusing on the development of the whole person, rather than just the acquisition of knowledge or skills.

Plato also believed that education should be individualized, recognizing that each person has their own unique abilities and interests. He argued that education should be tailored to the individual's strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to develop their full potential.

Plato believed that education should be a lifelong process, continuing throughout a person's life. He also believed that education should be accessible to all, regardless of social class or gender.

Plato's theory of education has had a significant impact on the development of education as a field of study. His emphasis on reason, knowledge, and individualized learning has influenced educational philosophers and reformers throughout history. However, his elitist ideas about education, such as the idea that only certain individuals are capable of achieving true knowledge, have been criticized by some as exclusionary and unjust.

Theory of Communism:

Plato's theory of communism is an important aspect of his political philosophy, particularly in his book "The Republic". According to Plato, a just society can only be achieved through the implementation of a communistic system.

Plato believed that private property was a major source of social conflict and inequality. He argued that the accumulation of wealth and property led to a division between the rich and poor, and that this division was detrimental to the harmony and stability of society.

Plato's solution was to eliminate private property altogether and to establish a system of communal ownership. He believed that in such a system, individuals would work for the common good rather than for their own personal gain. Everyone would have access to the same resources and would be treated equally, regardless of their social class or background.

Plato also believed that the elimination of private property would lead to a more just and virtuous society. He argued that the pursuit of wealth and property was a distraction from the pursuit of wisdom and virtue, and that in a communistic system, individuals would be more focused on cultivating their intellectual and moral development.

Plato's theory of communism has been criticized for its impracticality and lack of incentive for individual achievement. Critics argue that the elimination of private property would lead to a lack of innovation and productivity, as individuals would have no personal motivation to excel. However, the idea of communal ownership and the critique of the negative effects of private property remain influential and continue to be debated in political theory and philosophy.

Evolution of Ideal State:

The idea of an ideal state evolved over time in Plato's philosophy. In his earlier dialogues, such as "Apology" and "Euthyphro", Plato focused more on individual morality and the nature of knowledge. However, in his later dialogues, particularly in "The Republic", Plato's focus shifted to the nature of society and the ideal state.

Plato's ideal state is characterized by justice and harmony, and he believed that the state should be ruled by philosopher-kings, who have both the intellectual and moral qualifications to govern justly. In "The Republic", Plato argues that the ideal state should be organized in a hierarchical structure, with the philosopher-kings at the top, followed by the warriors and then the common people.

Plato also believed that the ideal state should be based on communism, with property and resources held in common by all members of the society. This would eliminate the competition and conflict that arise from private property and promote the common good of all members of the society.

Plato's ideal state also emphasized the importance of education, with a focus on the development of reason and virtue in individuals. He believed that education was essential to the development of a just and harmonious society, and that education should be accessible to all members of the society, regardless of their social class or gender.

Over time, the idea of the ideal state continued to evolve in Plato's philosophy, with an emphasis on the importance of the individual and the development of a just society. The concept of the ideal state has continued to be debated in philosophy and political theory, with many different interpretations and critiques.