Plato's Ideal State: Features of An Ideal State 1.rule of Philosophy

Plato’s Ideal State
“Until philosophers are kings or the kings and princes of this world have the spirit and the
power of philosophy and political greatness and wisdom meet in one, cities will never rest
from their evils.” (Plato)
The Republic of Plato is interpreted as Utopia to end all Utopias, not because it is a romance, but
because he constructed an ideal state in it. He compares the construction of an ideal state with an
act of an artist who sketches an ideal picture without concerning himself with the fact whether
individual characteristic features of imaginative picture are to be found anywhere or not? In the
same way, Plato never thought of the possibility of the institutions of his ideal state, being
capable of ever becoming a reality. He never thought of the impracticability of this idea
concerning his ideal state.
Plato built his state on the analogy of an individual organism. He believed that the virtues of an
individual and of the state were identical. He was of the view that an individual presented almost
the same features and qualities on a smaller scale as society on a bigger scale.
Features of an Ideal State

1.Rule of Philosophy
Plato was of the view that in an ideal state the philosopher-ruler should be prominent. He should
has a broaden vision of unity of knowledge. Philosopher-kings are immune from the provisions
of law and public opinion.
2.No unqualified absolutism
Though, neither, there is any restraint of law nor of public opinion over philosopher-rulers but
that is not an unqualified absolutism. It is not all despotism, because rule of philosophy is not
free from the basic articles of the constitution.
3.Control over the education system
Philosopher ruler should control the education system in an ideal state.
4.Justice in ideal state
Justice is the main feature of Plato’s Republic and it is also present in his ideal state. Justice is
the bond which binds every member of society together. It forms a harmonious union of
individuals.
5.Censorship of art and literature
In ideal state, there should be a complete censorship of art and literature. It is necessary so that
nothing immoral things might falls into the hands of the young individuals.
6.System of Communism
Plato was of the view that guardian class should live under the system of communism of property
and family. The rulers and soldiers do not possess any property of their own.
7.Equality among men and women
According to Plato, equal opportunities should be given to both men and women for their
economic, social, intellectual and political uplift. We can say that Plato was the first feminist of
his time.
8.Principle of Functional Specialization
Plato was of the view that due to multiple wants, an individual could not fulfill all his desires by
himself alone due to lack of capacity. Thus co-operation among individuals should be necessary
to satisfy their mutual desires. Some people are specialized in performing some certain tasks.
Criticism
1.Plato built his ideal state on the analogy of individual and this identification leads to confusion.
He failed to distinguish ethics from politics. His ideal state is based not merely on analogy but
almost identification between the individual and the state, which is quite wrong.
2.Plato fails to condemn the institution of slavery and regard it as fundamental evil.
3.Plato’s system of communism of women and temporary marriage is detestable and unethical.
4.Plato is a moralist rather than a political idealist. His assumption that the state should control
the entire lives of its citizens is false and contrary to human liberty.
5.By the system of functional specialization, Plato tends to dwarf the personality of the
individual. There is no possibility of any full development of human personality in his ideal
state.
6.Plato completely ignores the lower class in his ideal state which forms the great bulk of
population. Such negligence may divide the society into two hostile groups.
Advantages of Plato’s State:

Advantages of Plato’s State The society is based on the idea of common ownership that helps
non-separating rich and poor> developing justice. All people, men and women, rich and poor
have access to education> equal opportunities and common good.

Advantages of Plato’s State Every man is born to commit a specific function in society. .
Children will not know their parents and other family members for no matter inherited and sense
of ownership Sometimes-rarely-for the smooth flow of society should the philosopher-kings,
according to the statements make decisions, and without the opinion of the citizens since they
naturally do not contribute to their holdings> flexible administration

Advantages of Plato’s State The philosopher-kings having discovered the true values of life mus
try and pass on to others The ideal state is characterized by four virtues: wisdom, courage,
wisdom and justice: every one in society do what it takes, depending on the role within it,
without interfering with the function of the other and go off the boxes have set for him. If a man
makes no attempt to put the desiring part in the accounting, then it will be time to finally be
punished for his actions
Disadvantages of Plato’s State:

Disadvantages of Plato’s State Plato describes a state where the arts such as poetry, music,
theater, will be excluded because the art does not lead to the correct behavior but to the passions
and can upset the harmony of the three parts of the soul and spread corruption. In addition to this
Platonic ideal state, family ties as they are known in today's society are abolished and the
institution of the traditional family declined in order to refrain from acts which would prevent
social justice.Although, family must be strong institution

Disadvantages of Plato’s State Since every member of the family will not have an idea about the
members of it there is a chance to be begetted monsters and not humans. Justice is the harmony
of the different parts of the soul .. But everyone has to learn to control himself. Besides who will
control the needs of lords?

Disadvantages of Plato’s State When they were created by God, the guardian mansion built of
gold, the guards-assisted of silver, and the creators by iron and copper. This is a racist act and not
justice. The ideal state described seems largely to tyranny, but it is the exact opposite side: the
philosopher-king in power does not act in the light of self-interest, but is dedicated to the public
good, and possesses the knowledge and wisdom. Provided, however, that there will be found
someone who will not abuse the power and fairly and properly serve the people.

Disadvantages of Plato’s State Socrates prefers rulers to form pairs to play but there is no sexual
promiscuity, so that people do not know the feeling of love. So there will be created formal
relationships between men and women on the erotic sector.
Theoretical concept of Plato State
Plato's concept of the ideal state is only an idea. It is an idea that cannot be applied. It is only an
interesting story. State is to serve human beings and not to engulf their individual status. His ideal state
demands sacrifices only. It is a hollow scheme of the grand political philosopher of the then glorious
Greece.
Self-contradictory and Half Communism

The main principles of his ideal state are mutually different. On one side, he says about justice and
equality while on the other hand, expounds communism that is to deprive the two classes from the private
ownership and natural family life. Further, the majority professional class is free of communism. It is
clearly against the concept of justice and equality. So, his concepts of communism and justice are
colliding with each other. Temporary marriages and nationalization of all the means of production are not
natural and are against human nature.
Functional Specialization
Plato's classes in the social life on the basis of functions are impracticable. These classes are the result
of education system. Learning capabilities may change from time to time while likes and dislikes are also
not fixed. He reserves the ruling chairs for the philosophers that mean he prefers intelligence but ignores
characters. It is not must that a philosopher an intelligent person or highly educated person will be a man
of good moral character. He even bans character-building elements like arts and literature in his ideal
state.
Education System of Plato Ideal State

Plato presented a detailed scheme of education but his educational plan may be criticized on the grounds
that he gave undue importance to music, logic, games and philosophy. He ignored the important
disciplines like Law, History, Psychology and physical sciences etc. His steps of education are very tight
and age wise. He fails to understand that learning capabilities vary with the change in age and
environment.
Concept of Justice
Platonic theory of justice may also be criticized. His concept of justice is not clear and colliding with his
other concepts of ideal state. Fie believes in non-interference of individuals but person is a social animal
and his civilized social existence is in need of interrelations and interference. The three classes cannot
remain separated. Plato himself says that justice is to give what is due. A rifle is due to a mad but can we
allow him to have a rifle?
Rule of Philosophy
Plato is wrong to say that the ruling power be specified for the philosophers because philosophy produces
the men of thinking only. A. philosopher cannot face the sudden crises. His concept of rule of the
philosophy is against the human nature, democracy, equality and liberty etc. A ruler is required to study
law, finance, history and economics etc.
Absolute Monarchy
Plato favored absolute monarchy. He gives the ruling power to one or few and not to law. Plato's absolute
monarchy is the monopoly of a particular class to rule the state and the remaining people are nothing but
have been considered to be ruled. State is for serving people and its rulers must be the representatives
and servants of the ruled.
Nothing about the Abolition of Slavery

Plato in his ideal state is silent to reject slavery. He sacrifices humanity and advocates human services for
the state and not in the benefits and interests of the people. So, he himself is against the human equality
and liberty.
No Constitution
Plato fails to provide any constitution for his ideal state. There is no systematic structure of legislature,
executive, civil service, local government, human rights and political parties etc.
Although Plato political idea is composite of realities and utopia but despite the above negative points,
Plato ideal state concept plays very important role in politics. His concept of justice and communism are
applicable thoughts. His concept of state is useful for the students of political science even today. This is
the reason why it is the part of academic course.
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Plato’s Ideal State

Features of an Ideal State

Advantages of Plato’s State:

Advantages of Plato’s State:

Advantages of Plato’s State:

Disadvantages of Plato’s State:

Disadvantages of Plato’s State:

Disadvantages of Plato’s State:

Disadvantages of Plato’s State:

Self-contradictory and Half Communism

Education System of Plato Ideal State

Nothing about the Abolition of Slavery

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