Plato the
great philosopher. I'm actually proud of being a philosopher.
Democracy
for Plato is the rule of the mob. Plato avers that the philosopher king (the Guardian)
should take over the administrative affairs of the state. The soldiers
(Auxiliary) should defend the territorial integrity of the state.
While the
workers (Artisan) should provide the material needs of the society. This is
owing to Plato's conviction that the art of governance is not meant for
everyone. In other words, the leader must undergo rigorous training in
governance which Plato's Academy was founded for that purpose.
To hammer
home Plato's political compass, he employed an analogy that before one can
become the captain of the sheep, he must undergo thorough training in
navigation.
Again, before someone will become a medical doctor, he must have
undergone rigorous training in medicine. Hence, to become a leader, one must be
trained and the king of leader that will emerge after such training is the
philosopher king.
Hence, Plato
frowned at democracy.
"Democracy
is a charming form of government. Full of variety and disorder" (Plato:
The Republic).
Taking the
form of various dialogues between Plato and his students, 'The Republic' is
perhaps the world's most renowned work on governance and politics. It discusses
various forms of governance from Democracy, Autocracy, Tyranny, Oligarchy etc.
In a sincere bid to determine the best form of government for mankind to live
under.
Most would
be surprised to learn that Democracy is dismissed as a poor alternative which
ultimately opens the door to Tyranny....Surprise...Surprise.
As the wisdom of
its words continue to echo from the Age of Antiquity till today, it’s no wonder
it remains mine and many others' favourite work of Classical Philosophy.
Download - The
Republic by Plato.pdf
 |
| click to download - 1.25mb |
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