Plato Versus Marx: Philosophical Critiques of Society

Philosophical Reflections on Society: Plato and Marx

The thought of a philosopher is a true reflection of the society in which he lives, either to legitimize or criticize it. I decided to compare the Greek philosopher Plato (5th–4th century BCE) with the German philosopher Karl Marx (19th century). Although there are many differences, there are some similarities between these two thinkers.

Shared Political Engagement

For starters, both thinkers were extremely critical of the society in which they lived and sought to get involved in political reforms of their time:

• Plato tried to realize his political project as an advisor to the King of Syracuse.
• Marx acted through his revolutionary movement, creating institutions like the Communist League or the First International Workingmen's Association.

Fundamental Theoretical Differences

Of course, there are many differences between these two thinkers.

Plato's Idealism vs. Marx's Materialism

Plato's theories attempt to explain reality through his "Theory of Ideas," meaning his account of the reality of essences (unchanging and eternal), which are imperfectly imitated by concrete things. He defends an idealist theory.

Marx, in turn, produces a materialist theory, moving away from unreal idealistic theories. He advocates a theory that starts from concrete, human needs and flees from abstractions.

Ethics and Politics

For ethical and political concepts, Plato attributed the status of Ideas to such concepts, considering these ideas as the perfect reality, the model to follow, accessible through reason.

Marx, meanwhile, thinks that justice, goodness, virtue, etc., are ideological concepts in the service of the interests of the ruling class—no more than capitalists—and this is a situation Marx attacks.

The Philosopher's Role

The work of the philosopher also differs between Plato and Marx:

• The former argues that the philosopher must theorize to find Truth and Happiness.
• The latter argues that the philosopher must transform reality, not just interpret it, to bring society conditions of equality.

Agreement on Community and Opposition to Individualism

Both considered political work necessary to organize or transform society in a fair way. They were opposed to individualism; the individual cannot live outside the community.

Views on Social Structure and Property

Social Division

On the other hand, Plato divided society into three groups or estates:

1. The philosophers (rulers).
2. The guards (auxiliaries).
3. The producers (the people).

Plato held the idea that individuals are not equal by nature and therefore must have different functions in society.

Marx, however, fought against inequality and committed to the ideal of equal justice. He believed that all humans are "substantially similar" and therefore rejected social classes, which he saw as the source of division between the exploiters and the exploited.

Private Property

Marx and Plato agreed on the abolition of private property, although in Plato's case, it only affected a particular class: rulers and guardians, so that those who held power would not be corrupted. Marx, meanwhile, insisted that all means of production must be collectively owned.