poopy
- This is a preview of the essay.
To view the full text you must login!
Knowing that Athenian democracy certainly did not represent true justice, Plato spent a great deal of time in The Republic explaining what true justice would resemble and how it would be possible to achieve in his ideal state. After discussing these views I will continue by demonstrating the many differences between this ideal state and democracy, which Plato critiques for several reasons. Democracy and Plato's ideal state will also be related to and explained in terms of other key themes present throughout The Republic.
First off, Plato believed that we are all born with different natural capabilities, some with more potential for knowledge than others. Humans are social creatures that are far from being self-sufficient, therefore must work their own skill in order to provide and enrich the community. For Plato justice is present when all members of society realize and accept their innate potential, using their skill at its fullest in order for society to function together, in harmony. Plato's conception of a just society would function like that of the healthy human body. Each organ of the body has its own duty and does not interfere with or try to work where it does not belong. All aspects of the body compliment each other, keeping the health of the body as a whole in mind, as opposed to that of certain organs in particular. When cancerous cells taint some part of an organ, for example, it is in the interest of the well being of the body to eliminate the parts infected, in order to keep the body healthy...