A Reflective Journal on Plato's Enduring Influence on Modern Society

This journal entry reflects on the enduring impact of Plato's philosophical ideas on contemporary society. It examines how Plato's teachings, particularly those concerning political leadership, corruption, and the balance between bodily appetites, reason, and spiritual aspects, continue to resonate today. The author draws parallels between Plato's concerns about inefficient and self-centered leaders and similar issues in the modern world. It highlights the importance of moral codes and passionate leadership, as advocated by Plato, for promoting the well-being of citizens within a political community. The journal references Plato's allegory of the cave as a metaphor for ignorance and the need for guidance, connecting it to modern societal challenges. The reflection emphasizes Plato's call for individuals to address contemporary issues and strive for a more virtuous and balanced society.

Running head: JOURNAL WRITING 1
Journal Writing
Student’s Name
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JOURNAL WRITING 2
When having a dialogue with Plato, I think his ideas may have an impact on the
contemporary society. In the modern society, few teachings of philosophers such as Plato
continue to be considered in discussions and debate (Peterson, 2017). People influence the
political thinkers as well as leaders based on the philosophers’ ideas considering issues such as
love, sex, materialism, sensuality, and others.
Plato had ideas based on political ambitions which were disheartened by inefficient and
corrupt leaders. Later, Plato followed Socrates adopting the usual philosophy which paved a way
for corruption and Plato’s dissatisfaction. The corruption issue matters in the world today as the
society is inhabited by self-centered persons. As Plato indicted, individuals were influenced by
three aspects which are bodily appetite, ability to communicate and reason, as well as spiritual
aspects. However, imbalance among the three aspects leads to issues concerning conflict which
is featured in the modern society (Juge, 2009). The element of bodily appetites is associated with
issues such as sex and materialism which needs to be addressed in the modern society.
Individuals are guided by goals which concern power, fame, and success though Plato requires
leaders to rule and perform tasks wisely.
As Plato outlines, people should focus on addressing the issues in the contemporary
society as they lead to ignorance and bad behaviors. People should be guided by moral codes and
leaders should rule with a passion. Plato makes a significant impact by promoting the citizens
well-being through the political community.

JOURNAL WRITING 3
References
Juge, C. (2009). The Road to the Sun They Cannot See: Plato's Allegory of the Cave, Oblivion,
and Guidance in Cormac McCarthy's" The Road". The Cormac McCarthy Journal, 7(1),
16-30.
Peterson, V. V. (2017). Plato’s Allegory of the Cave: literacy and “the good”. Review of
Communication, 17(4), 273-287.