“A Truly Just City” Essay - 701 Words

In the book â€Å"The Republic,† by Plato, Socrates constructs a utopia of a pure aristocracy to channel his visions of what he constitutes to be a just city. Socrates’ ideal of justice, is of a virtue that can be developed out of reason and knowledge, and when tuned correctly can be the justified way of governing a city. Fundamentally, the rulers are driven by specific appetites and virtues, that develop a cycle of ruling between the stages of aristocracy, timocracy, oligarchy, democracy and eventually a tyranny. This structural chain, is significant in demonstrating the center of Plato’s argument, this it is always better to be just than unjust. Socrates’ main backbone to this fictional city is the importance of education. In order†¦show more content†¦This was what he believed to be the crucial element that complicated a democratic society. Believing in appearances can be quite deceitful. A man could go on stage and say that he will do good for the people, but not be trained to know what is good for the people. â€Å"From intelligence springs a knowledge of moral truths and a correct vision of the function of political power as serving the interests of the governed (Dunkle).† Since everyones opinion and thought are considered equal in a democratic society, the rise of false appearances can easily take power. A democratic society is ruled by the poor majority, who in the end pick their leaders. On the other side, the minority or the rich, pick one to represent them. Sooner or later, a tyranny degenerates over a battle for the reigns of society. This is one of the examples in a corruptive cycle of society that Plato explores through Book VII. Tyranny would be the end-result of this cycle. The three different governmental states that contribute to a ruling party’s fortitude: soul elements, virtue and the people who hold the power. Lets start off with Socrates’ republic, or Aristocracy. I n the aristocracy, there is reason as the soul element, justice as the virtue, and the ruling of the ‘Philosopher Kings’. He believes for his republic to work properly, that nothing can change. If change would occurs, then would appearance ofShow MoreRelatedPlato s Dialogue, Republic, And The Claims Of The Modern World1556 Words   |  7 Pagespossess in ensuring a just society. The main argument that will be addressed in this essay is that philosophers are useful and are essential to guarantee a truly just city. In this paper I will use Plato’s dialogue, Republic, and the claims mentioned throughout to support and build my agreement with Plato in arguing that having philosophers in rule ensures a just and honest society. The main question presented in, Republic is â€Å"what is justice;† both in the individual and in the city. 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