Plato's Philosopher Kings

Essay # 45859

Philosophy > Ancient Greek
Political Science
Political Science > Political Theory

A discussion of Plato's idea of philosopher-kings in the "Republic".

2,295 words () | 0 sources | 1999 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the main focus of the "Republic" and explains why Plato feels so strongly about the need for philosopher-kings, but why, on the other hand, the entire concept of the philosopher-king is utopian, or at best impractical, in nature.

From the Paper:

"In the fifth book of the Republic, Plato introduces a number of innovations for the just city, including the idea of "philosopher kings". Specifically, at the end of Book Five, Socrates argues that "we must [call] on philosophers, rather than lovers of opinion or those who delight in each thing that is itself" (480a). Plato's just city is an aristocracy, meaning that it is meant to be ruled by the best (or those most suited to rule). Through a variety of arguments in reference to the nature of men and political skills, Plato argues in the Republic, that philosophers are the most suited to rule, although the idea of philosopher kings as a whole is impractical."