Plato's Political Theory: Justice, Ideal Community & Regimes

Plato's Political Theory

6.1. Justice and the Ideal Community

Plato's ideal community aims to build a polis where justice (dike) prevails, as described in The Republic and Laws. The goal is not for a few to be happy, but for all citizens to thrive. To achieve this, several steps are necessary:

1. A clear understanding of justice (as explored in Apology and the early books of The Republic).
2. Overcoming tyrannical conceptions of politics, where some rule by force or deception.
3. Educating both citizens and politicians.
4. Ensuring that the most intelligent and generous individuals are empowered.

6.2. Levels of Organization: Soul and City

There is a parallel between the organization of the soul and the city, with a similar three-class division:

• Archontes (Rulers): Philosopher-kings chosen from the guardians, whose superiority is based on wisdom, intelligence, generosity, and altruism. Their mission is to legislate based on justice, enabling the well-being of others. They do not pursue tangible goods, dedicating themselves to the common task.
• Phylakés (Guardians): Their mission is to defend the state. They do not own property. Men and women receive the same education. They embody Thymos (spirit) and Andrei (courage).
• The People: Artisans, farmers, and traders form the economic foundation of the polis. They sustain the other classes and embody Epithymía (desire) and Sophrosyne (moderation).

6.3. Political Regimes

The relationship between citizens and the political system they live under:

• Aristocracy: Considered the perfect system, where the intelligence of the most capable dominates. However, it can degenerate when individuals forget their humanity.
• Timocracy: The passionate dominate over the rational, with a desire for honor and wealth. The military class oppresses the lower classes.
• Oligarchy: The domain of the rich, where wealth is prioritized over law. This creates an insatiable desire for personal gain, neglecting education and solidarity.
• Democracy: Arises when the poor gain power. However, due to a lack of education, its original purpose of freedom and mastery of desires is lost.
• Tyranny: Excessive freedom leads to social and individual slavery. The people accept a tyrant who establishes a false order and maintains power through wars, preventing rebellion.

Aristotle's Views

9. Social Organicism and Politics

Aristotle views the state as superior to the individual. He famously stated that man is a political animal, meaning that humans are meant to live in cities. The state takes precedence over the individual.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Political Systems

Aristotle categorizes political systems as either acceptable (pursuing the common good) or unacceptable (pursuing the good of a few):

• Acceptable: Monarchy (rule by one), Aristocracy (rule by many), Democracy (government by many).
• Unacceptable: Tyranny (rule by one), Oligarchy (rule by a few), Demagoguery (rule by many).

Aristotle does not prioritize any specific acceptable form of political organization.