... In this section I will examine the situation in accordance with Plato’s Republic. This is then followed by my own evaluation of Plato’s responses to these situations. ...
The first scenario to be considered in light of Platonic society is the career path of Elliot, who I presume to be a citizen of the proposed Republic. ... What would Plato have to say about this? ... Platonic society as described in the Republic is a function of the efficiency of its inhabitants. ... Plato firmly believes that a person’s natural ability infused with appropriate education should determine his or her livelihood. ...
Plato certainly would have allowed for such movement in the spirit of finding the job that one was most capable of performing. ... To understand Plato’s view contemplate the following quote,
Meddling and exchange between these three classes, then, is the greatest harm that can happen to the city and would rightly be called the worst thing someone could do to it. (434c)
Clearly he would not support this vertical move through the levels of society. ... But what are Plato’s reasons? ... Plato does believe that the sensible inhabitants of the Republic would vote the way he would, which would be for a qualified philosopher. ... And by corruption I mean an opportunity for an unqualified member of society to obtain the power of rule. ... Although Elliot may be a very nice person and an accomplished grocery store manager, it is impossible for him to have completed the education that Plato would argue necessary for a guardian. ... Several times in The Republic Plato is challenged on the happiness of its inhabitants. ... I believe that Plato would respond with an emphatic ‘no. ... To this Plato would also respond with a categorical ‘no. ...
My final comment on the foregoing quote, in conclusion to the exposition aspect of this paper, is regarding Plato’s belief that the most adept ruler must necessarily be the least eager to rule. ... I wholeheartedly concur with Plato’s evaluation on the training necessary for a suitable guardian. ... At that point in time I believe we created Plato’s Republic (with very important exceptions such as slavery, but nevertheless it is the closest the world has ever come).
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