Plato's The Republic (Book III and X) | Criticism of ideal state, ruler and art

Plato's The Republic (Book III and X) | Criticism of ideal state, ruler and art

Q. Plato's The Republic (Book III and X) Summary: Criticism of ideal state, ruler and art

Answer: Plato was a famous philosopher of Greece. He has imagined an ideal state and ideal ruler in his book The Republic. In Part III and X of this book, he has given his views about society, education, art and poetry. His thoughts are still considered important in the fields of philosophy, politics and education.

Part III - ideal state and ideal ruler

Plato said that there should be three classes in an ideal state:

Rulers – In a kingdom there must be ideal rulers who operate the kingdom with knowledge and intellect. They are philosophers. These have been called Philosopher Kings.

Warriors - who protect the kingdom and fight enemies. They are courageous and disciplined.

Employees or workers - who are employed in farming, business and other important works. These people are skilled in their respective work.

Plato believed that every person should do the same thing for which he is suitable by nature. When every class does its work honestly, then justice and balance remains in the state.

He said that only the persons with proper knowledge should become the rulers of the state. For, they recognize the truth. They are away from selfishness and decide for the welfare of the society.

Importance of education in Part III

Plato described education as the most important. He believed that education only makes a good citizen and good ruler.

He said that from childhood, children should get such education that makes them disciplined and moral. They should be taught physical exercise, music and philosophy.

Warriors should be taught valor, discipline and restraint. The rulers should be taught logic, philosophy and leadership.

Plato said that education is not only information, but to turn the soul towards truth.

Part X - criticism of art, poetry and imagination

Plato has criticized poetry and art in the tenth part (Part X) of “The Republic”.

He said that art and poetry have imitations of reality. They confuse us and take it away from the truth.

He particularly criticized poets like Homer. Plato said that poetry provoke emotions. They awaken people like sorrow, anger, and fear inside people. This weakens the mind.

Plato said that the poets neither know the truth nor do they have any true knowledge. They only pretend and seduce people.

So Plato said that poets should not get a place in the ideal state. They are kept in a very limited role.

Theory of Forms

Plato also told that everything we see in this world is not real. It is only a shadow or imitation of real forms.

According to him, every object has a pure and ideal form, which is not visible from our eyes. But that form is real.

For example - there are a lot of chairs, but an ideal "chair" is the form of all of them. All these chairs are copy of that ideal chair.

With this theory, Plato proved that our knowledge should be not with the senses (eyes, ears etc.), but with intelligence and logic.

Plato's view - Search for justice and truth

The purpose of Plato's entire book was - what is justice? And how should an ideal society be like?

He said that when every person performs his duty properly, without greed, justice is established in the state.

Plato believed that the ruler should be philosopher. For, he understands the truth, justice and the welfare of the people’s soul.

He also said that true knowledge raises the soul. He frees the person and connects him to the reality of the soul.

Conclusion

Part III and X of Plato's The Republic shows us the way to understand the nature of an ideal society, ideal ruler, true education and truth.

He said through logic that the state is formed not only by material resources, but by morality, knowledge and justice.

He also clarified that if art and poetry confuse people, then it is important to limit them. But if they are in favor of education and truth, then they can get a place.

This book of his is still a wonderful medium to understand society and politics.

(Questions and Answers)

Q 1: According to Plato, how many classes are there in the ideal state and what are they?

Answer: According to Plato, there are three classes in the ideal state:

Ruler - who run the kingdom with knowledge and logic.

Warriors - who protect the state.

Workers - who do farming, trade, construction etc.

Q 2: Why did Plato called the rulers 'philosopher kings'?

Answer: Plato believed that the rulers should have a true sense of knowledge and justice. Such rulers rule on the basis of truth, logic and morality. So they called him the 'philosophical king'.

Q 3: Why has Plato criticized poetry and art?

Answer: Plato said that poetry and art are only imitations of objects. They are away from reality and create confusion in people's minds. They provoke emotions and hide it instead of moving to truth. So he criticized them.

Q 4: What is the "Theory of Forms" of Plato?

Answer: According to Plato, everything in this physical world has an ideal and pure form that is beyond our senses. Physical objects are only the shadows of those ideal forms. These forms are permanent, immortal and truth.

Q 5: What is the importance of education according to Plato?

Answer: Plato considered education as the medium of awakening the soul. According to him, education not only gives information, but it makes the person moral, rational and just. Education plays the most important role in the creation of an ideal citizen and ruler.

Q 6: Plato has described what place for poets and artists in the ideal state?

Answer: Plato said that poets and artists should get a very limited place in the ideal state. If they work to provoke emotions and spread confusion, they should be removed from the kingdom.

Q 7: What is justice in Plato's views?

Answer: According to Plato, when every class (ruler, warrior, and laborer) of the state does their respective work correctly and without interference, the same is justice. It is a state of internal and social balance.

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