Who is really in charge of Platos Republic - Essay Example

Who is really in charge of Plato’s Republic? Plato, in his “The Republic” visualizes an ideal and he attributes the cause of social anarchy andproblems in the State to its rulers. He is of the opinion that the political power of the State is in the hands of wrong individuals. For him, the charge of the state should be entrusted to an elite group – a group of wise men who are specially trained in the ways of knowledge, wisdom, truth, and justice. According to Plato, there is none better than the philosopher ruler to perform this duty to its perfection.

This is made clear in Part VII of “The Republic”. entitled ‘The Philosopher Ruler’: “ The society we have described can never grow into a reality or see the light of the day and there will be no end to the troubles of states,… of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers ……” (Plato, p no. 263).Thus, Plato is convinced that the solution to the problems of the state is possible only when philosophers become rulers or rulers, philosophers.

It is necessary to consider why Plato opts philosophers to be the right candidates to entrust Governmental affairs of the State. According to him, competence and good character should be the criteria for this selection. He believed that it is incorrect to select rulers either by their wealth or aristocracy; instead he emphasized on an aristocracy of talent. So he holds the view that philosophers who are of highest talent and are given the highest training should take up the responsibility of handling the affairs of the state.

Thus, Plato sees all the qualities required of a good ruler in philosophers. One may wonder about the practicability of Plato’s ideal Republic and his solution to the problem- of entrusting philosophers with the task of governmental affairs. But one can never negate the goodwill, discretion and motivation behind this effort. WORK CITED1. The Republic, Translated by Desmond Lee, (England ) Penguin Books Ltd, 3rd Edition :1987