Plato's Republic discusses the ideal state and critiques democracy, advocating for a society governed by philosopher-kings who prioritize the common good over personal interests. It highlights the importance of unity and the necessity of rulers possessing knowledge and wisdom for effective governance. Plato's views reveal a preference for an undemocratic system focused on the state’s overall happiness rather than the interests of particular classes.

1. Plato’s Republic Plato’s Republic

2. Overview Background on Greek politics Brief biography of Plato Plato’s ideal state in the Republic Analysis of Plato’s political ideas Overview

3. Greek Politics The fundamental locus of Greek politics was the polis (city-state) In the polis “civic space” lay at the center of the community All citizens were expected to engage in politics Greek Politics

4. On Democracy Democracy is often associated with Ancient Greece (where it originated) However, democracy was only confined to a few poleis , most notably Athens Greek democracies did not function as democracies today do On Democracy

5. Who was Plato? Aristocrat born around 427 BC . Grew up in the years after the Peloponnesian War Lived through the high point of Athenian democracy Studied under Socrates , taught Aristotle Who was Plato?

6. What is a State? States come about because individuals have needs they cannot satisfy alone Individuals with different talents have complementary needs What is a State?

7. What is Plato’s Ideal State? What is Plato’s Ideal State? TRADESMEN GUARDIANS RULERS (AUXILIARIES)

8. What sets Guardians apart? Training Guardians are trained to value state interests above personal interests Communal lifestyle They are to receive no salaries and share everything with each other In the case of rulers, wisdom What sets Guardians apart?

9. Who should rule? Philosopher-King Has a grasp of the true and enduring Would not fear death , would be fair-minded , gentle and sociable Would necessarily be brave , temperate and thereby just Would work to preserve the status quo Who should rule?

10. Other (sort of) Interesting Things Plato Discusses Composition of the soul: wisdom , courage , temperance and justice The concept of the “ just state ” and of justice in general The equality of men and women Other (sort of) Interesting Things Plato Discusses

11. Analysis Plato’s ideas in the Republic are clearly undemocratic on the whole He highlights democracy’s weakness as a populist machine His ideas are rooted in his view of man as possessing specific talents Analysis

12. More Analysis Plato emphasizes unity as the supreme value of the state concept of organic unity He recognizes that the state exists to ensure the happiness of everyone , not just a particular class More Analysis

13. Even More Analysis In Plato’s view, the basis of political rule is knowledge In this regard, the “best” should rule He also points out that for rulers to be effective, they must put the public interest before private concerns Even More Analysis