Poltical science - political philosophy - Essay Example

This distinction would suggest that he held philosophy in high regard and felt it was even necessary for the proper function of a society. This seeming inconsistency between the rigid restriction of philosophy among the people and the importance of philosophy to the proper governing of that society prompts the question; did Plato believe the philosopher posed a danger to the state or a benefit? To answer this question, it is necessary to delve into Plato’s description of the perfect leader which includes an investigation into the concepts of morality and ethics as well as an understanding of the restrictions and opportunities he envisioned for his ideal society’s exposure to philosophy.

As seen in the writings of Plato regarding Socrates, which some will argue is a blending of the two philosophers’ ideas, one of the requirements for a leader is that he be a moral and ethical man. To be a moral and ethical man, it is necessary that this man must first know “his spiritual self as it really is, including all its shortcomings, strengths and potentialities” (Sahakian, Sahakian, 1966, p. 32). As Plato was a disciple of Socrates and the source of much of the information we have regarding much of what this man had to say, Socrates’ concept of ethics is relevant to an understanding of Plato’s views.

According to Socrates, it is the man who does not know himself who cannot accurately judge his own capabilities and his own unique path to the greatest good based on accurate use of his strengths and knowledge of his weaknesses. Socrates takes this another step by suggesting that knowledge of oneself will instruct from within regarding those things which are good (moral and ethical) and those things which are not. He suggests this by claiming that things that are good will make us feel happy inside while things that are bad will be immediately