Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
law, individualism, Plato's Republic, political philosophy
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Political Science
Abstract
There is a popular strain of Platonic scholarship that has accused Plato of being imprudently idealistic in his political philosophy. These scholars point to Plato’s Republic as evidence for their criticisms, claiming that in the Republic Plato advocates a social ideal in which the common good is encouraged over the value of the individual. According to these critics, Plato distrusts the ability of the many to manage themselves and, therefore, proposes an ideal city wherein the philosopher elite would direct the choices and actions of the many for the common good. Thus described, Plato’s ideal is nothing short of a totalitarian regime.
Recommended Citation
Benson, Brett V. and Reynolds, Dr. Noel B.
(2013)
"Rule of Law and Individualism in Plato’s Political Philosophy,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 366.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/366