“The philosopher king…is the best of all rulers.”
Plato’s Republic is a seminal work of political philosophy that presents his vision for an ideal state. Plato got disgusted with democracy following the death sentence on his mentor Socrates, on charges of corrupting the youth.
Plato believed there are many shortcomings in democracy which allowed people unsurpassed power which they misused it for self-serving benefit. He also questioned the justice meted out by democracy, which changed according to the whims and fancies of an ill-educated populace. In this dialogue, Socrates, Plato’s teacher, engages in a discussion with a group of young men about the nature of justice and the best form of Government. Plato’s philosopher kings are a central concept in his work The Republic. They are envisioned as the ideal rulers of a just and harmonious society. These individuals, according to Plato, possess a unique combination of qualities that make them exceptionally suited to governance.
Who is a philosopher king?
A philosopher king is an ideal ruler envisioned by Plato in his work The Republic. This ruler is characterised by:
Wisdom: A deep understanding of the nature of reality, justice and the good.
Virtue: Possession of the highest virtues, such as courage, temperance and justice.
Intelligence: Intellectually gifted and the ability to think abstractly and reason logically.
Plato believed that philosopher kings, unlike traditional rulers motivated by personal gain or power, would rule solely in the best interest of the state. Their knowledge and virtue would ensure just laws, fair treatment of citizens and a prosperous, harmonious society.
Lover of wisdom and virtue
The philosopher kings should be lovers of wisdom and virtue. They must have a deep understanding of the nature of reality, justice and the good and should have a clear knowledge of the forms: The philosopher king should have a deep understanding of the Forms, which are eternal, unchanging and perfect ideas that exist beyond the physical world. This knowledge gives them a clear vision of the ideal state and allows them to make decisions based on what is truly good and just. The philosopher king should have a comprehensive understanding of philosophy, including metaphysics, ethics and politics. This enables them to think critically, analyse complex issues and make informed judgments.
The philosopher king should have a genuine love of wisdom and a desire to learn and understand. This passion drives them to seek out knowledge and truth, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. The philosopher king possesses practical wisdom, which is the ability to apply knowledge and understanding to real-world situations. This allows them to make effective decisions and govern wisely. In essence, the philosopher king’s wisdom is a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical wisdom grounded in a love of learning and a commitment to justice. This wisdom enables them to rule justly, promote the well-being of their citizens and create a harmonious and prosperous society.
Virtue is another tenet the philosopher’s kings live by. They are morally upright and possess the highest virtues, such as courage, temperance and justice. Wisdom is the most fundamental virtue, encompassing knowledge, understanding and insight. A philosopher king should have a deep understanding of the nature of reality, justice and the good. Courage is a virtue that involves being able to face fear and danger with fortitude. A philosopher king should be courageous in defending what is right, even in the face of opposition. Temperance is about self-control and moderation. A philosopher king should be able to balance their desires and passions with reason and prudence. Justice is the overarching virtue that encompasses all the others. A philosopher king should be just in their dealings with others, treating everyone fairly and impartially.
These virtues are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. A philosopher king who possesses all of them will be able to rule wisely, justly and effectively. Another feature is that a philosopher king should be intellectually gifted and capable of abstract thought and reasoning.
Plato believed that philosopher kings, unlike traditional rulers who are motivated by personal gain or power, would rule solely in the best interest of the state. Their knowledge and virtue would ensure that laws are just, citizens are treated fairly and the state is prosperous and harmonious.
Education of a philosopher king
“Let us begin by selecting the natures best adapted to our purpose.”
“The just man is he who lives according to the law of reason.”
Plato, in The Republic, envisions a utopian society ruled by philosopher kings. These individuals are not only intellectually gifted but also possess exceptional moral character. To prepare them for their role, Plato outlines a rigorous educational system designed to cultivate their wisdom, virtue and intelligence.
The education of the kings begins at a very early age, the selection process begins with the careful selection of children who exhibit the potential for leadership.
These children are identified based on their physical attributes, intelligence, and temperament. Their basic early education focuses on physical fitness, music, and poetry. These include Dialectic: “Dialectic is the highest form of knowledge”according to Plato. As the students mature, they delve into dialectic, the art of philosophical discussion and debate. This is considered the highest form of knowledge and is essential for developing critical thinking and a love of wisdom. The curriculum also includes mathematics and science, as these subjects are believed to sharpen the mind and provide a foundation for understanding the natural world.
Plato further outlines a rigorous educational system for the philosopher kings, which includes a significant emphasis on music and gymnastics. These two disciplines are seen as essential components in shaping the character and abilities of these future leaders. Gymnastics are emphasised to develop strength and discipline, while music is believed to cultivate aesthetic appreciation and moral character. As the potential kings develop they are introduced to other forms of advanced education.
Plato believed that music has a profound influence on character. He argued that certain types of music can cultivate harmony and virtue within the soul, while others can lead to discord and vice. Musical training was also seen as a way to develop aesthetic appreciation and a sense of beauty. Plato believed that music could enhance intellectual development, as it involves rhythm, harmony and mathematical relationships.
Gymnastics and physical fitness is a key characteristic for the leaders of the state. Physical fitness was seen as indispensable for developing physical strength, agility and endurance. A healthy body was considered necessary for a healthy mind. Discipline and courage in gymnastics training was believed to instill discipline, courage and a sense of duty. However, Plato emphasised the importance of moderation in gymnastics, arguing that excessive physical training could be harmful.
By combining music and gymnastics, the philosopher kings would receive a well-rounded education that would develop both their intellectual and physical abilities, as well as their moral character. This balanced approach was seen as essential to produce leaders who were both wise and virtuous.
Ideal state
The philosopher kings would rule over a state divided into three classes:
Guardians: The ruling class composed of philosopher kings. These individuals are highly educated, virtuous and possess a deep understanding of justice and the good. They are tasked with governing the state and ensuring its well-being.
Auxiliaries: The military class, responsible for defending the state. They are trained warriors who possess courage, strength and a commitment to serving the state. They are expected to uphold the laws and protect the citizens.
Producers: The working class, responsible to produce goods and services. This class includes artisans, farmers and merchants. They are expected to focus on their respective crafts and contribute to the overall prosperity of the state.
Each class has its own specific role and responsibilities and Plato argues that the harmony and stability of the state depend on each class fulfilling its proper function. The state would be governed by a system of philosopher kings who would ensure that each class fulfills its role and that the state is just and harmonious.
Plato’s concept of the philosopher king, while influential has faced significant criticism. Some of the primary objections include elitism associated with rulers. Critics argue that the idea of a ruler who is both wise and virtuous is unrealistic and utopian. They contend that human nature is inherently flawed and that no individual can possess the perfect qualities necessary to govern justly. The philosopher king concept has further been criticised for being elitist. By suggesting that only a select few are capable of ruling, Plato’s theory could be seen as promoting a hierarchical society based on intellectual merit rather than equality. According to Aristotle, the concept is unrealistic and requires a broader distribution of power.
Critics like Aristotle often question the practicality of implementing a system where philosophers rule. He further said it was unnecessary for kings to be philosophers but have the kings seek advice from the true philosophers. This would ensure the reign would be replete with good deeds rather than merely fine words. Critics argue that philosophers may not have the necessary political experience or leadership skills to govern effectively; there may be difficulties in ensuring that the philosopher king remains virtuous and does not succumb to corruption, greed or power.
Plato’s concept of the philosopher king remains a compelling and influential idea in political philosophy. While it may be criticised for its idealism and impracticality, it offers a powerful vision of a just and harmonious society. The philosopher king, as envisioned by Plato is a ruler who possesses a unique combination of wisdom, virtue and intelligence. This individual is capable of governing justly, promoting the well-being of their citizens and creating a harmonious society.
While the idea of a philosopher king may be difficult to realise in practice, it serves as a valuable ideal that can inspire and guide political leaders. By striving to emulate the virtues of the philosopher king, rulers can work towards creating a more just and equitable world.
