Plato’s The Republic discusses a wide range of philosophical arguments that lead to the fundamentals of Western philosophy. This paper will summarize key arguments in The Republic, as well as analyze Plato’s account of justice in the state being the same as in the individual. Additionally, I will explain why I disagree with Plato’s position on ideal state, ultimately disagreeing with the majority of his argument.
Preliminary Definition of Justice The idea of justice is one that a number of people are challenged to define. At first, Cephalus, the father of a young nobleman named Polemarchus, claimed that justice has to do with rules governing relationships with others. In other words, living up to your legal obligations and being …show more content…
I will explain why I disagree with his position, but first it is important to note that I do agree with a portion of his argument. There is no doubt that Plato was correct in saying that justice in the state and the individual are the same. From my point of view, I interpret his argument as claiming that the interests of the individual ultimately overlap with that of the society, since society can really only be as healthy or strong as the individuals that reside in it. However, my disagreement stems from his argument on what an ideal state is. In trying to make a healthy community, Plato’s ideal state will ultimately produce unhealthy individuals. This is seen by simply referring to his idea of guardians, which give off a sense of dictatorship in society. The middle and lower class individuals are to obey the upper class, losing all sense of freedom. Although Plato states that there must be no interference between classes, it is difficult to believe that the ruling class will not interfere with any other class. His ideal state will no doubt create a healthy functioning system in which people are categorized based on their natural abilities; but in contrast, it will also lead to an unhappy society where individuals cannot have a sense of self-determination. Plato may argue against this point, saying that the goal is the overall happiness of society, and it is appropriate for everyone’s role in society to be pre-determined. However, this negates the very concept he is attempting to argue –
Preliminary Definition of Justice The idea of justice is one that a number of people are challenged to define. At first, Cephalus, the father of a young nobleman named Polemarchus, claimed that justice has to do with rules governing relationships with others. In other words, living up to your legal obligations and being …show more content…
I will explain why I disagree with his position, but first it is important to note that I do agree with a portion of his argument. There is no doubt that Plato was correct in saying that justice in the state and the individual are the same. From my point of view, I interpret his argument as claiming that the interests of the individual ultimately overlap with that of the society, since society can really only be as healthy or strong as the individuals that reside in it. However, my disagreement stems from his argument on what an ideal state is. In trying to make a healthy community, Plato’s ideal state will ultimately produce unhealthy individuals. This is seen by simply referring to his idea of guardians, which give off a sense of dictatorship in society. The middle and lower class individuals are to obey the upper class, losing all sense of freedom. Although Plato states that there must be no interference between classes, it is difficult to believe that the ruling class will not interfere with any other class. His ideal state will no doubt create a healthy functioning system in which people are categorized based on their natural abilities; but in contrast, it will also lead to an unhappy society where individuals cannot have a sense of self-determination. Plato may argue against this point, saying that the goal is the overall happiness of society, and it is appropriate for everyone’s role in society to be pre-determined. However, this negates the very concept he is attempting to argue –