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Introduction
A one time pupil of Socrates, Plato is an idealist philosopher who founded the first school of philosophy in Athens. ... " The ideal state, according to Plato, is composed of three classes: economic structure of the state is maintained by the merchant class, security needs are met by the military class, and political leadership is provided by the philosopher-kings. ... 198) Those who complete the entire educational process become philosopher-kings.
These Philosopher Kings are people who are capable, because of their inherit wisdom and education, of leading the general populous in ways that ensure the stability of society. “Plato believed that true morality could only be grasped by a few intellectual elite’s “philosopher kings” and was inaccessible to the masses. ... ” (Sprague, 1976, p54)
For Plato it is essential that either the philosopher become king or kings must become philosophers. ... ” (The Republic, 501e)
Finally, there are three key ideas on which Plato’s theory of the philosopher kings is based. ... 41) As for Plato the philosopher kings must break free from their chains to lead others out of the darkness of the cave. ... 32)
Education
Philosopher kings minds have been so well developed that they are able to grasp the forms and, therefore, to make the wisest decisions. Indeed, Platos ideal educational system is primarily structured to produce philosopher-kings. ... The men who successfully pass these trials will become the philosopher kings. ...
The Problem With Philosopher Kings
Unfortunately, while Plato offers a very concrete well defined method of producing potential philosopher kings, he is somewhat vague in his explanation of how we would go about testing theme to assure ourselves that they had achieved the wisdom necessary for them to function adequately. ... His program of producing philosopher kings is problematic. This is because only they would be able to judge if they knew the Forms in the manner necessary for them to become philosopher kings. ...
Conclusion
There are three key ideas in which Plato’s theory of the “philosopher kings” is based upon. ... Security needs are met by the military class, and political leadership is provided by the philosopher kings. ... Those who complete the entire educational process become philosopher-kings.
These Philosopher Kings are people who are capable, because of their inherit wisdom and education, of leading the general populace in ways that ensure the stability of society. “Plato believed that true morality could only be grasped by a few intellectual elite’s-“philosopher kings”-and was inaccessible to the masses. ... ”
For Plato it is essential that either the philosopher become king or kings must become philosophers. ... ” (The Republic, 501e)
Unfortunately, while Plato offers a very concrete well defined method of producing potential philosopher kings, he is some what vague in his explanation of how we would go about testing theme to assure ourselves that they had achieved the wisdom necessary for them to function adequately.
Approximate Word count = 2280
Approximate Pages = 9.1
(250 words per page double spaced)
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