Hello Fellow Classmates,
I wanted to get your perspectives and views on Plato’s Republic as being a socially and economically just society. In short, Plato proposes that we separate members of society based on their individual potential which is discovered through a special education regiment. From this, certain individuals will be selected to serve as guardians of the state, who live for the progression of society as selfless individuals. Among the “Guardians” a ruler would be selected who Plato terms as a “Philosopher-King” who only lives to progress the well being of the community through justice, socially and economically. This community operates similarly to the function of a human body, and together these individuals help the entirety of the community progress by doing what they are best at doing (i.e., living up to their potential). If a person is lazy or feels like he/she does not want to contribute to society, they are either “re-educated” or expunged from society. The goal for Plato is that, individual identity is shaped by communitarian identity. Do you guys think it is an important idea for a state to be invested in each individual to help them understand their potential? Should an individual be invested in the progress of his/her community? What do you make of Plato’s Republic as being a socially and economically just entity?
-Abbas Rattani
This is an interesting post. Plato's society appears, to me, ideal. I like the comparison to the human body.I envision a holistic and well functioning society, in which is democratic and grassroots.
ReplyDeleteMy only issue with your description, and possibly Plato's society, is the "re-education" and expulsion of "lazy individuals." I dont like the idea of expulsion because Im concerned for the individual, and where they might end up. (another society or alone?) What happens to these individuals? What basis do we judge someone as unproductive, or not reaching their full potential? Who is the judge? The society or Philosopher-King? Maybe Plato answers these questions. What are your thoughts?