Plato's Philosophy on State and Society in The Republic

This essay discusses Plato's philosophy on state and society in The Republic. It covers topics such as the two worlds, divisions within society, desire for wealth, noble guardians, justice, and the ideal state.

Running head: PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Plato has discussed about the state in his famous piece The Republic. This book aims at
providing a proper idea of the condition of the states and how the states have come into
existence. He has also found out some ways to explain the policies the states should follow in
order to achieve the trust and faith of the people in the state. In this essay, the ideas of state by
Plato would be revealed (Cornford: 25). The two worlds by Plato are very crucial forms of the
world that have been revealed. Many critics have discussed over this fact a number of times.
These two worlds include the world of Forms and the world of the Appearances. The divisions
within the society are also something that should be dealt with much seriousness. Plato has
revealed the fact that there are three souls within the society. These souls have led the human
beings to divide the society. Another topic to be discussed in this essay is to look at desire of
wealth as a primary reason for the war. The nature of the noble Guardian will also be highlighted
in this essay as well. All these topics are related to the topic of Plato’s description of the republic
in a general manner. The society is a vast institution that has been looked upon by the
philosophers in different manners. In the republic, the concept of justice is also a very crucial
part of the discussion. Therefore, all these topics would be discussed as a part of the portrayal of
the republic by Plato.
Thesis statement: The stance of Plato in the Republic is a very efficient one to discuss about
the condition of the states and the responsibilities of the common people in the state. The
difference between the society and the philosophers and the divisions in the society has also
worked as a problem to construct the society in the best possible manner.
Plato was a very eminent philosopher who had been largely influenced by the theory of
the human nature as propagated by Pythagoras. As per the notions of Pythagoras, human nature
can be divided into three sections (Cornford: 25). These are based on elements like courage,
reason and appetite. Plato has opined the fact that the state can be considered as a living body.
Therefore, it is also true that an individual represents his society and surroundings at a small
level. Similarly, the state also presents all these features at a larger level. A state is basically
composed of several classes (Baltes: 26). Therefore, these classes are the basic parts of the state
and the state is nothing without all these classes. These three classes are the ruling class,
professional class and the military class. He has also specified some responsibilities that could be
effectively attributed to these classes. The role of the ruling class is to run the administration of

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the state as they are highly educated. The professional class is the class that runs the daily
common affairs of the state. People and critics have always held his philosophy on the political
stances in a high regard. The description of the state or the polis has been depicted in the book
the Republic in a grand manner. This is most probably the very first political philosophy that can
be traced (Altman: 34).
The justice is the main talking point for Plato has always been on the ideal state. This is
why he has stressed on the issues that have disturbed the condition of the society to be precise.
Plato has argued in favor of an ideal state where the establishment of peace should be the
ultimate purpose (Baltes: 26). However, in some cases, peace has not been taken care of in the
proper ways in the states. It is because of the wars most probably. Wars take place in the world
because people are not at all happy with their present condition. They continuously crave for
more wealth. They are not at all satisfied with what they have. Rather they want everything to go
in a smooth manner. Justice is probably the most crucial thing that he has always focused on
when forming a state (Basil and Randolph: 27). This is the thing that needs to be given the
utmost importance for everyone. The kings or the administrators have the responsibility of
ensuring justice in the states. If people do not get the justice in the states they live in, it will be
very hard for them to have faith in the administration of the state. Plato always believed that
justice is something that everyone deserves and this should be delivered to everyone. People who
are deprived of justice will feel very insecure (Ritter: 28). Plato opined that the main purpose of
the federation or the state should not be on the solution of the racial issues but the administration
should solve the injustice i.e. served on the people of the state.
Plato was determined to provide the justice to all the people in the state. Rather he
wanted to give compensation to everyone who has not been given the justice. This is why it was
very much important give the compensation as per the capabilities of the state (Basil and
Randolph: 27). He also wanted the state to ensure that no one would interfere in the affairs of
each other. Peace keeping should become the main agenda for all the states. Therefore, the
importance of a united society was very much needed. Plato noticed that the societies were
getting divided into different sections. This was probably the result of the lack of leadership
(Kraut: 29). Plato gave his statement on the fact that a philosophical king or philosophical leader

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should always be the best choice for the selection of a king. In this manner, the absolute
monarchy should be established. It would give away the best room for the success of the state.
Everyone should be given their dues and they must not suffer. The successful
administration lies in the fact that all the people in the state should enjoy all their facilities.
Therefore, the philosophical kings will be at the top of the state with their best governing
strategies. Another important thing must be revealed in this paper (Kraut: 29). Plato had
effectively designed the ideal state with the concepts of communism. He believed that a state
could only be ideal if it did not have any problems (Friedlander: 36). The state should always be
a super-most powerful institution where all the people would be very happy to live. If any kind
of problems would come up, everyone would join hands to curb the issue. There should be no
enmity and no problems should be left unattended (Silva and Yrjönsuuri: 22). This is how the
states can progress and maintain a good position in the world. In the words of Plato, the ruling
class and military class do not have to worry about their food and appetite. It is because the
ruling class represents the reasons and the military class represents the state with the utmost
courage (Altman: 34).
The responsibility of running the administration depends solely on the administrators.
Besides Plato, some other critics have also questioned in favor of the ruler or the king of a state
being a philosopher. It will really be very much helpful for him. It is because the rulers will be
able to know about the things that cause problems in a state. The states should always be free of
any dangers or threats (Friedlander: 36). Otherwise, it would cause big troubles when they
confront with other states. The expert critics are also of the opinion that a peaceful environment
among the people of the country should always be there. Otherwise, an environment of war and
conflict will always be there (Bloom: 33). It has been found out by Plato that the economic greed
of the different classes, especially ruling class, will create large problems in the future. The main
purpose of the state will always be on maintaining a good environment in the world. They should
not engage in the conflict situations whatsoever (Silva and Yrjönsuuri: 22). Rather they should
keep a good relationship among them so states do not intend to destroy the economic resources
of each other.
In an ideal state, the gender equality should always be maintained. Without this, it will
almost be impossible for the state to improve their conditions. The states will need to make the

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most of their opportunities by utilizing the talents of both men and women (Bloom: 33). Studies
have revealed that the women are very much talented all through the ages. So, they should take
part in the administration as it will be a little difficult for them to be a part of the military class.
The state should be sacred and do not commit any kind of unethical work. Many historians and
experts of politics have revealed that the unethical things committed by the state will degrade
their reputation (Frank: 20). So, it will not at all be good for them. In this scenario, respect
should be there because people should learn to give credits to people for their works and
contributions. Plato opined that the maximum services should be gained from the women of the
state. In this manner, the state will be benefitted. The king or the ruler of the state should always
act like the noble guardian. Without a proper and responsible guardian, no state will be able to
progress in the ways of success. The philosophers are a great gem or treasure for the society. The
words of Plato can be felt very authentic in today’s world since the people in the states are
getting unethical and they are engaged in many dubious activities (Gerson: 36). This practice
should be stopped and it can only be stopped with the help of the educated philosophers.
According to the experts, philosophers possess the exact knowledge of the ways of how a
state should be run. A state needs to be run on the ethical ways an no unjust things should be
encouraged. The philosophical wisdom is definitely a very important factor for the state. The
king or the ruler should control the people of the state exactly in a manner how he would have
controlled his own children (Frank: 20). The philosophers definitely have this knowledge of
assuming the state as his own family. This is a larger family and he is in the charge of this
family. He holds the key to settle the ways of running the family. If he cannot his own family
and children, it will also become very problematic and difficult for him to run the entire state
(Cammack: 636). Therefore, he should act like a guardian and protect all the people of the state.
Plato has pointed out this fact in nutshell that the desire for wealth among the administrators will
cause the war in no time. The wars always damage the physical properties of the states and it
damages the lives of the human beings as well. Wealth is very dangerous thing that Plato has
said in his book The Republic. It is because wealth or money is favorable by all people because it
brings lots of advantages to all the classes and sections of the society. People with enough of
wealth desire and crave for even more (Gerson: 36).

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This is why it should be said that the rulers in the society should always look for the ways
how they can improve their wealth. In fact this leads to the conflicts between the classes. In this
case, the viewpoints of the communists should be enlightened. The communists have always
raised their voice for a society where everything will be similar in status. There will be no
conflicts within the society if all the people in the society would live with equal amounts of
possession (Morreall: 125). There will be no divisions between the rich and poor in the society.
So, it will be an important thing to note that both the rich and poor sections of the society should
always live in the harmony. On the contrary, in this materialistic world, the rich people are
getting richer and poor people are getting poorer (Cammack: 636). Therefore, it is quite evident
that the natural balance in the economy of the country is getting destroyed. This is probably the
reason as to why the wealth greedy people always dream to increase their wealth to the fullest
degree. In the contemporary world of democracy, some powerful countries have the
responsibility to help the smaller countries to help them in different ways. It is definitely a very
good step but the problem is the wealth greedy ministers of the state always go on to establish
their control on economy in these states (Griffiths: 350). Therefore, the conflicts arise between
the countries and people begin to indulge themselves in petty quarrels. Greedy individuals are
always on the hunt to increase their bank balance o they can live a better life in the future.
However, this sort of greed for money can destroy the natural economic balance in the country.
Critics are of the opinion that the richer section of the society should always think about
the well being and development of the society (Zeller: 38). This is not done due to the extreme
greed of the richer people. They always look to snatch the wealth of the poor people by any
means. This is a complete injustice to the poorer section of the people and Plato was always
against this sort of treatment in the society. In the next juncture, the topic of discussion will be on
the relationship between the individuals in the society and the philosophers (Griffiths: 350).
Therefore, it is a common concern for the individuals how a philosopher can contribute to the
welfare of the society. The philosophical thinking is a very important material to do well for the
society (Morreall: 125). Plato had discussed about this fact because it is closely associated with
the welfare of the society. The philosophical thoughts are often based on a proper subject matter
or a method. Therefore, it is a great advantage that philosophy provides to the society and its
individuals in particular. The philosophers include some special elements to talk about like the
justice in the society, equality in the society and rationality among the individuals (Dickinson:

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38). This is probably the way in which the philosophers can help the people think about the need
for establishing the equality in the society. On the other hand, some activists have not agreed
with this thought because they believe the things said by the philosophers are mostly vague and
they tend to confuse the individuals in the society by their illustrations.
Therefore, it is pretty clear that there are some differences in the opinions. So, it will be
very much evident to deal with this issue by logic. Everyone knows that and Plato has already
acknowledged the fact that relativism and equality in the society must be established. Otherwise,
the leadership spectacles will not at all work (Dickinson: 38). It is the duty of the kings or the
administrators of the states to ensure equality among all the people. Only then they would be
able to establish a government or a kingdom where everyone would get their dues and no one
could be deprived of the facilities. The knowledge of the society is an important phenomenon to
discuss the effects of philosophy on the minds of the individuals. Some elements of styles of
interpretation of philosophy is required by the society. These elements are epistemological,
ontological and explanatory (Braswell and Gold: 56). The normative social philosophy is also
helpful for the people in the society also. Some common aspects like the ethical theories related
to the human nature, well being of the humans, liberalism and justice theory prove to be very
much crucial for the developments of society. So, the viewpoints of the philosophers definitely
have an impact on the individuals of the society.
In the next section, the importance of justice will be discussed. Justice is probably one of
the most important things that are included in the well being of the states. So, the philosophers
must also go on to make the people understand that justice is the part of the bond and virtue. This
is also joined by the mind of the individuals (Capra: 18). They will need to drive their mind with
the thought that justice should always be served among the common people of the society. Plato
found that the political conditions of Athens were deteriorating during his time (Braswell and
Gold: 56). The democracy of Athens almost got ruined so people wanted to find out a better
living condition. Plato realized that the ruined condition fo Athens could only be saved by the
virtue of justice (Zeller: 38). Therefore, he wanted the prevailing of justice in the society
(Altman: 37). The word ‘Dikaisyne’ has been used by Plato that means morality. Plato had
noticed the fact that the political selfishness was a growing menace indeed. However, one thing
must be noted that many theories had been in use before Plato had discussed over this fact.

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Evidently, Plato had attacked some basic elements like amateur needlesomeness and excessive
individualism. These two things proved to be the barriers for the application of justice and
establishing an ideal state.
In this section, the discussion will be shifted to the nature of the noble guardian as
discussed by Plato. As per the words and norms of Plato, he stressed on the fact that justice could
be achieved only if each social class would work as it has been told to do. If all of them work
tirelessly and focus on attaining the equality, it will definitely be helpful for the state (Altman:
37). Plato had his belief in the division of the individuals individually since each person had been
sent to this world for a better specified work. Many critics and philosophers have agreed to the
issue that every person within the society must work hard for the general well being of the
society. In order to be successful, they will have to work together in collaboration. Only then
success will come for them (Sultana: 331).
In this essay, it has already been discussed that Plato has divided the society in three
classes. These three classes will join hands for the common good of the society. According to
Plato, the rational party should be called the noble Guardians of the state since they always look
to formulate different matters with the help of their intelligent ideas. These guardians are shown
as very wise people in the society who understand the pulse of the society and work for the
betterment of the same in a planned and organized manner (Sultana: 331). This is how these wise
men would be able to manage the individuals within the society by their intellectual messages.
The noble guardians of the state and society are always expected to maintain the decorum within
their working sphere (Hamedi,: 1163). This should be the most important aspect about the roles
of the noble guardians within the society. They are responsible for the taking the wise decisions
for the welfare of the society (Capra: 18). They possess the intelligence to make the wise
decisions and this should be the primary aspect of their success in the society. These state owners
or the noble guardians should always protect the rights of the state just in the manner that the
dogs protect their owners with the ultimate loyalty and trust (Hamedi,: 1163). These people
should always strive to establish the justice within the society. The swiftness in taking the
decisions and showing the strength to protect the state should be inherent among the noble
guardians.

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Plato, in his The Republic, has also gone on to discover the differences between the two
worlds that he has identified. These two worlds are quite important for the overall welfare of the
society. These two worlds are the World of Forms and the World of Appearances. Thus the
world consists of two realms (Ehrenberg: 278). These are the physical realm and the spiritual
realm. The physical realm or the world of appearances signifies the existence of the world
beyond the perceptions of the human beings. The world of Appearances or the physical realm is
actually the world that is seen by the individuals on a daily basis. So, it is quite sure to notice the
daily humdrums of life through the form of Appearances. Plato has observed that the physical
realm is not perfect and it is changing constantly (Hampton,: 290). So, it would be very difficult
to predict anything about this form. On the other hand, the spiritual form is unchanging and it
always sticks to its basics. Ethics and justice are the two most crucial factors of this.
Some critics have opined that this spiritual form is basically untrue and the physical form
is the truest thing in the world (Ehrenberg: 278). Therefore, it would be inappropriate to pass the
verdict on the practicality of the spiritual realm or the World of forms since it is beyond the
perception of the beholders. But, Plato has contradicted this and said that the world of
appearances or the physical realm is nothing but a shadow. So, Plato opined that the spiritual
realm is the only true thing in the world since it is abstract and it cannot be altered by the human
beings through manipulation (Hampton,: 290). In these circumstances, Plato has really justified
his points and asserted on the need for a philosophical leader at the top of a state. It will surely
enable the state for better results. The appearance of a person in the world might be depicted in a
way by the world of forms but this depiction could change if it could be done through the world
of appearances. Thus the perceptions of the human beings might change but abstract things
remain the same. Besides, the state should be driven in an intellectual manner and everyone
should be treated equally. Justice should always reign supreme in the states so the relationship
between the people is not messed up at all.
On the concluding note, the overview of the entire discussion will be given. The ideas of
a proper or ideal state by Plato in The Republic are definitely the first one of its kind. So, Plato
has also discussed about the different ways how the society should be developed. The society is
regarded as a very sacred institution and people need to understand the essence of it. So, the role
of the noble guardian is crucial in showing how the state could be run in an ethical manner. The

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adaptability of the common individuals should depend on the kind of leadership i.e. practiced
within the states. Justice is a very crucial thing in this scenario. Plato has always stressed on the
fact that all the people in the society should always get the proper justice. They should not be
deprived of anything. All their rights should be preserved and their dues should be cleared by the
state. The divisions in the society are very important in this context because the three classes will
surely understand their responsibilities through it. The ruling class should always possess the
level of intellectuality so they can drive the state towards the ultimate success. The need for the
betterment of the state can only be done when the noble Guardians of the state will take up their
responsibilities to work jointly with the common people of the state. Perhaps this will surely be a
very effective step since everyone like to live in a good manner. The well being of the common
people should always be the main aspect for the growth of the state from all aspects and thre
ruling class must administer with their definite intellect.

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