Psychological Issues in Social and Political Philosophy - Essay Example

07 April Psychological Issues in Social and Political Philosophy: This research paper aims to distinguish Karl Marx from Plato, two of the world’s greatest philosophers, on grounds of social and political philosophy. Many psychological issues have been given great importance by Marx and Plato in their theories. Marx’s work on social alienation is one huge example of that. Marx identified four different types of alienation to which workers are exposed in a capitalist system. On the other hand, Plato defended such a system in which people are divided by classes and there is a total dictatorship based on intelligence and merit. Following discussion will enumerate myriad different levels on which Marx and Plato differ from each other to illustrate the reality of this claim that “rule by the best reflects human ignorance and generates power relations in society which leads to conflict and survival of the fittest.” If Plato and Marx are compared against each other on grounds of psychological issues like social alienation and conflict, it becomes clear that Plato’s ideal of society is flawed and generates chaos. Following discussion will serve to prove this argument. As societies grow in size, increasingly complex patterns emerge and competition for survival gets tougher. This leads to the result that only the best or the fittest groups find it easier to survive and maintain a good life standard. Such is the philosophy presented by Marx. In contrast, Plato argued that an ideal society is that in which the political authority is granted to those who are the best or have the most power. Plato defended an aristocratic system. In such a socio-political system, an imbalance of resources occurs and conflict is born. In contrast to Plato who emphasized on bigger units of society, Marx focused on individuals. Elaborating on Marxian ideas, I emphasize that the basic most aim of classes in society is to generate fierce competition for limited resources. Out of this competition are two classes born, the capitalist class and the working class. In contrast to Plato who argued that an ideal state or polis is characterized by necessary division of labor, Marx claimed that in such a system, the working class is most often manipulated by the capitalist class. This happens due to unequal distribution of wealth which is the established source of a broad range of psychological problems. An unequal distribution of wealth creates a gigantic rift between classes in a state. Focus shifts away from fundamental political notions like equality when people with better connections also known as elitists are preferred over the rest. High incidence of crime is a very big global and social issue. Many times crime incidents are brought about by manipulation of poor people by the elite ruling class. A society characterized by inequality and delegation of political authority to a select group of people without common public’s consent are actually the kind of features which seed the element of resentment in the working class. This element grows over time and creates a psychologically warped society because there is so much anger and disillusionment everywhere. Socioeconomically disadvantaged people who are not able to get their opinions regarding political rulers registered eventually become social rebels to overthrow the capitalist class and take away the power enjoyed by it (Friedman). This counters Plato’s argument that a state based on a system of dictatorship is the best. Such a state is structured to advance interests of only elitist groups. A highly dangerous rate of crime is noticed in the world today because of Marx’s idea of survival for the fittest which is based on reality. The less fit groups have to struggle more for survival or a better life which is why they often engage in crime to acquire more power in less time. However, this idea does not suggest that fitter groups are completely exempted from the possibility of engaging in crime. If Plato’s perspectives are scrutinized on a psychological dimension, it is identified that different views about ignorance represent the emotional conflicts within the philosopher himself. For example, Plato’s views on ignorance in the city in speech conflict from those narrated in the cave. The setting of the city in speech separates philosophers from masses of ignorant people. These masses of men do not possess the right to rule because they have no qualities needed for that purpose. An ideal state is ruled by the wisest philosopher. Plato was also of the view that ignorant people are those who hail from lower classes. This is because ignorance is an innate disposition of lower ranked people in society. Such a biased perspective on human ignorance functions to disadvantage lower classes and create pandemonium in society. In contrast to the city in speech, Plato in the setting of the cave suggests no separation or division between intelligent philosophers and commoners. “Mustn’t we also seek something between ignorance and knowledge that depends on that which is in between” (Plato, “The Republic of Plato” 477 b). Here, Plato is seen urging people to find a middle way, something in between ignorance and knowledge. In this dialogue, people are told to not hate ignorance as a trait of lower class citizens, but consider it along with knowledge to seek truth. This identifies a conflict in mentality which shows that Plato suffered from internal conflicts. It could be due to this reason that he proposed such ideals which do not function to benefit people psychologically, socially, or politically. The subject of justice matters a lot on a political level because when the political system of a country is not just, many psychosocial evils are spawned consequently like crime, depression, anxiety, feelings of resentment etc. Plato’s ideal of society and his perspective of justice do not speak fairness because power is given to aristocrats and ignorance is considered a virtue of poverty. Socrates concludes in the first two books of Plato’s Republic that to be considered good, a man must be just. The concept of justice is simply summarized in this way, “it is just to do good to our friends when they are good and harm to our enemies when they are evil” (Plato, “The Republic” 225). However if this definition of justice is held true, then only the strongest or the most powerful in society will have the power to exercise justice because they will have the most resources. In this way, justice becomes the possession of the fittest. According to the Republic, a just state or polis is essentially a caste system in which political authority and all good like justice comes from above and evil rises from below. Marx’s ideas, on the other hand, call for integration of justice in all kinds of socio-political issues because that is essential for safe functioning of a political state. Such a philosophy regarding justice calls for eradication of a caste system. Concluding, observing the psychological mechanisms and consequences underlying theories presented by both philosophers, Marx and Plato, adds a lot to our understanding of many fundamental social and political notions like alienation, depression, suffering, freedom, justice, equality, and political authority. Above discussion serves to prove this argument that the picture of an ideal state presented by Plato is in actuality a collection of classes or units competing among themselves for limited resources as a way to survive. This picture guarantees conflict in society which leads to many psychosocial evils. In contrast to Marx, Plato’s perspectives on human ignorance and an ideal state cannot be considered flawless also because they are inextricably linked to his own emotional conflicts. While Plato popularized aristocracy as the best form of government and advocated division of society into classes, Marx rightfully denounced this ideal of state because division of society into units or classes does not function to benefit the whole. Works cited: Friedman, Saul. “Consequences of Unequal Distribution of Wealth: The Rich Get Richer...” HUFF POST. Huffingtonpost.com, 08 Aug. 2010. Web. 07 April. 2015. Plato. The Republic. Interactive Media, 2012. Print. ---. The Republic of Plato. 2nd ed. Trans. Allan Bloom. USA: Basic Books, 1991. Print. Read More