Plato Flashcards
(10 cards)
How does justice exist, according to Plato?
in the whole community and individual
Why does the state exist, according to Plato?
because no individual is self-sufficient
How does Plato conceptualize the state?
- At the minimum, it’s composed of 4-5 men
- Each one focuses on one occupation.
- farmer and craftsmen → merchants → shopkeepers → hired laborers → guardians
Who should rule, according to Plato?
philosopher-kings
What is necessary for guardians, according to Plato?
Guardians must:
1. have the right sort of intelligence and ability
2. look upon the commonwealth as their special concern
3. be full of zeal to do what they believe is for the good of the commonwealth and never willing to act against its interest
How does Plato conceptualize procreation?
- Communal procreation
- Regulated by the State
- The best procreating with the best
- Children not allowed to be known by their parents
What, according to Plato, is the aim in founding the commonwealth?
To secure the greatest possible happiness for the community
What are the parallels between the soul and the city-state?
Tripartite soul:
1. Reason - thinking
2. Spirit - temper
3. Appetite - desire
City-State
1. Gold - Guardians (reason)
2. Silver - Auxiliaries (spirit)
3. Iron or Bronze - Farmers and Craftsmen (producers; appetite)
How does Plato describe the philosopher-king?
Possesses truthfulness, temperance, justice, and a good memory
How does Plato counter the argument that philosophers are useless?
Philosophers are useless because the society that raised them is useless. if philosophers are valued and allowed to prosper within the society, then they will become useful.
