plato believed that society should be governed by what kind of people?
History · High School · Wed Jan 13 2021
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- Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, believed that society should be governed by philosopher-kings. In his work "The Republic," he described a hierarchical structure for an ideal state which is divided into three classes: the ruling class, the auxiliaries, and the producers.
- The ruling class, according to Plato, should consist of philosopher-kings who possess wisdom and virtue. He argued that these leaders would be the most suitable to govern because they would understand the Forms (especially the Form of the Good) and would be able to create policies and laws that reflect the true nature of justice and goodness. Philosophers, in Plato's view, love wisdom and the truth more than power or material possessions, which would theoretically make them fair and incorruptible rulers.
- Plato's philosopher-kings are not rulers in the traditional sense of seeking power for its own sake; rather, they are guardians of the state who are selected and educated specifically to govern in the interest of the people, ensuring justice and harmony in society.