Ideal State of Plato

Plato’s Ideal State

Before know about Ideal State we should know about State. State is not a concrete object but it is a combination individuals who share their ideas, thoughts, norms together and live. State came into existence to protect them so they live good life. According to Plato State is nothing but individual's writ large.

So Ideal State is hypothetical state in which all individual get perfect life. Plato describes his Ideal State in his famous book “The Republic.” 

Plato gave his ideas in dialectical format. There are some features of Ideal State we pick up from these dialogues: 

 Division of Society 

Plato believed that State is individual's writ large. He emphasized that every individual has three qualities : Reason, Spirit, and Desire. From these three qualities only one quality dominate person to person. Plato believed people should act according to their dominant quality. 

Which has reason they should be Philosophers.  If they had spirit or courage they can become soldiers.  If they had desire they should come in economic activities. 

Like individual Plato also divides society into three classes, based on abilities and nature:

a) Rulers class

They are the wisest and most knowledgeable. Their job is to govern the state. They should rule not for personal gain but for the welfare of all. Plato believed only philosophers understand real truth, so they should be rulers.

b) Auxiliaries (Soldiers/Guardians)

They are brave and strong. Their role is to protect the state from enemies and maintain internal order. They have courage to protect state.

c) Producers (Farmers, artisans, workers, merchants)

They provide basic needs like food, clothes, houses, etc. They focus on economic activities. They do not participate in ruling.

Rulers and Auxiliaries classes have no right to gain any private property. They are dependent on Producers classes for economical purpose.

 Principle of Justice

 Plato doesn't define Justice in the legal sense. He defined Justice in the moral sense. From education every individual will know about their dominant quality and if they perform the right role according to their quality it will be Justice in true sense.

Everyone performing the role for which they are best suited. No one interfering in others’ roles. This creates harmony and balance in society.

Education System

Plato gives great importance to education. This education system is strict and organized. The process of education decide who is fit to be a ruler, soldier, or producer. Plato emphasized not only mental fitness but also physical fitness so he include physical activities in education curriculum.  Philosopher-kings get the highest education, including philosophy, mathematics, and dialectics.

Communism of wives and Property 

Rulers and soldiers are responsible for the maintaining peace and security in state. So Plato believed that they should be loyal to their state. They should live a simple life to avoid corruption. 

In ideal state of Plato only working classes can have family and private property . The guardian class like rulers and soldiers have no right to keep wives and Property. They would have common wives and properties. The upbringing of children of these classes is the responsibility of state.

This ensures they make fair decisions for the state.

 Rule of Philosopher King

In Plato’s Ideal State only who have reason should Rule the state. He would be called Philospher King. He believed only those who truly understand “the Good” should rule.

Philosophers have knowledge of eternal truths, so they will make just decisions. 

Equal status to men and women

In Platonic ideal state both men and women are equal. They have equal status in society. Both have equal right to get education. 

Censorship of Arts and Literatures 

Plato believed in the Censorship of arts and literatures. He wants only that type of literature which is useful for people in state. 

Criticism of Platonic Ideal State

Plato’s Ideal State was criticized by many thinkers. Aristotle and karl Popper was most important.  Plato’s ideal state will be a totalitarian State. It is an utopian idea to have that type of state. Although The idea of Communism of wives and property is unnatural.

Conclusion  

Despite the criticism of Plato’s ideal state we can't ignore his radical and fascinating ideas. He wants to ensure justice in true sense. Plato’s ideal state was perfectly as just society. All three classes functionally specialized through education.