Socrates believed that the "ideal city" should be comprised of three classes. What are these classes, and what does he believe are their proper roles? Post your response in the discussion forum, and check back to see what some of your classmates have written. Feel free to leave comments on your classmates' posts.
Discussion: Plato's Republic
Socrates, in his dialogues as recorded by Plato, proposed that an "ideal city" should be divided into three distinct classes, each with its own role:
1. Producers: This class is the most prominent part of the soul and is associated with the appetite or money-loving part. They are the workers and artisans of the city, responsible for producing goods and services.
2. Auxiliaries: This class is associated with the spirit or honor-loving part of the soul. They are the warriors and defenders of the city, maintaining security and order.
3. Guardians: This class is associated with reason, or the knowledge-loving part of the soul. They are the rulers of the city, making decisions for the benefit of the whole community.
In a perfectly just society, Socrates believed that each class should have a fixed and equal place in the city, carrying out their specific purpose. This division of roles, according to Socrates, contributes to the overall happiness and harmony of the city.
1. Producers: This class is the most prominent part of the soul and is associated with the appetite or money-loving part. They are the workers and artisans of the city, responsible for producing goods and services.
2. Auxiliaries: This class is associated with the spirit or honor-loving part of the soul. They are the warriors and defenders of the city, maintaining security and order.
3. Guardians: This class is associated with reason, or the knowledge-loving part of the soul. They are the rulers of the city, making decisions for the benefit of the whole community.
In a perfectly just society, Socrates believed that each class should have a fixed and equal place in the city, carrying out their specific purpose. This division of roles, according to Socrates, contributes to the overall happiness and harmony of the city.
Rule order and law should be the three main cities.
Rule for who is in charge and why.
Order so that there is not much crime.
Law speaks for itself.
Rule for who is in charge and why.
Order so that there is not much crime.
Law speaks for itself.