The Republic by Plato is an influential political and philosophical work at all times. It is a guide where several great thinkers share their ideas about the essence of human nature, justice, freedom, and leadership. Individuals can choose different ways to improve relationships and gain a better understanding of their souls. However, when it is time to think about an ideal state and the government that could work, sound decisions are not easy to make. Therefore, Plato’s Republic becomes a source of inspiration and knowledge where the brightest minds offer a solution. Plato conceptualized the ideal state as a republic and created three categories of citizens as the main form of governance, comparing them with the tripartite nature of a human soul.
The organization of an ideal state is not an easy task due to its potential role and functions for society. Plato states that “a city seemed to be just when each of the three classes of natures present in it minded its own business, and, again, moderate, courageous, and wise because of certain other affections and habits of these same classes” (113-114). In his conversation with Glaucon, Socrates underlined three areas of business similar to human spiritual needs.
There is “moderate” business for craftsmen and artisans to feed and close. “Courageous” business is for auxiliaries and soldiers to protect the shelter. Finally, “wise” business is presented by guardians and philosophers who promote knowledge. Even being unaware of the three categories of people, the reader can learn that the state’s role is to function and create the conditions under which every person is able to exist.
One of the critical elements of the ideal state is a person who works and takes action to survive. Plato says that “this same manual artisan is not only able to make all implements but also makes everything that grows naturally from the earth, and he produces all animals” (278). Although it is the lowest class, its functions to produce and develop goods and services and recognize specific appetites and desires should not be neglected. The government needs those for organization and control, and the limited knowledge of artisans makes them obeys and listens to the superior classes.
As soon as a person defines basic needs and wants, the question of protection arises. That is why Plato offered to “put the auxiliaries in our city like dogs obedient to the rulers, who are like shepherds of a city” (120). In fact, Socrates did not have the intention to offend or diminish the functions of this part of the state. Auxiliaries have a strong spirit in their souls and enough courage to protect the population and make sure the ideal state could resist invasion. Due to the nature of their work, soldiers are better educated compared to artisans, and their courage helps recognize what is right and what is wrong in relation to their native land and safety.
Finally, any state should have a leader where all decisions are made and all knowledge is properly distributed. In his conversation, Socrates underlined that “the philosophers rule as kings or those now called kings and chiefs genuinely and adequately philosophize… there is no rest from ills for the cities” (Plato 153). The ideal state needs the rational part where orders and laws are examined and promoted. Led by a guardian, its main function is to care about the city, recognize threats that cause suffering and pain, and deal with challenges beforehand. Philosophers must rule in the ideal state and engage every individual in philosophy and wisdom. This approach makes it possible to deal with emotions and use knowledge to upraise reason over desire. Not money and richness but moral leadership and respect could unite people in the ideal state.
Reading Plato’s Republic proves that the creation of an ideal state is not an easy task, and many factors should be taken into consideration. Still, despite an existing variety of options and thoughts, three elements remain firm and sacred in human life, namely wisdom, courage, and desire. As such, the state is based on similar factors, and Plato came to a conclusion to have a philosopher as a rule for soldiers and artisans. In understanding the ideal government, these three concepts prove that inequality is not a problem but a substance that unites and keeps order among highly educated, strong, and hard-working people. Unfortunately, this perspective does not seem to be real because individuals want to develop and grow, and the chaos between the classes is inevitable.
Work Cited
Plato. The Republic. Translated by Allan Bloom. 2nd ed., Basic Books, 1968.