One criticism that has frequently been directed at Plato’s theory of justice and the ideal state is...

Question

One criticism that has frequently been directed at Plato’s theory of justice and the ideal state is that true justice is only attainable for a select few. The fact that
lies
have to be used by the rulers to maintain compliance and acceptance of the order of the city reveals that it is really
unjust
at heart. How do you think Plato would respond to this criticism?

Because it is organized “with an eye to the Forms”, and ruled by philosophers who understand these truths, Plato’s best state is a harmonious whole in which all citizens fulfill the function for which they are best suited. Given the stability and “rightness” of this ideal state, why does Plato seem to assume it will degenerate (from aristocracy, to timocracy, to oligarchy, and so on)?

In Book V of the
Republic,
Plato argues that (some) women are capable of becoming Philosopher-Guardians, just as (some) men are. Given his frequent observations that women are in general inferior to men, why do you think Plato makes this argument? Do think it is consistent with his theory of virtue?

In the
Apology,
Socrates uses the
elenchus
in the manner of a “gadfly,” to stir his fellow citizens out of their complacency and to get them to think seriously about the moral order. However, he is also
defending
the traditional moral virtues, in both word and action. Indeed, his reasoning for upholding the laws of Athens in the
Crito
is articulated on the grounds of conventional Greek morality. Is Socrates a radical or a conservative? Or both?

Plato, like Thrasymachus, appeals to Nature or “reality” to criticize the social conventions and practices of his time. Yet his conclusions about what
is
and what
ought
to be are radically different from those of Thrasymachus and other radical Sophists. Explain these similarities and differences. Do you think Plato succeeds in responding to the challenge to traditional morality presented by the Sophists?

In the
Apology,
Plato (through Socrates) seems to be saying that true virtue has, or should have, nothing to do with politics. Yet in the
Republic,
he concludes that people with true (philosophic) virtue should have absolute power in the
polis.
Do you think Plato’s argument that knowledge and (political) power must be joined contradicts his earlier arguments about politics?

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Robert · Accepted Answer

Justice
THEORY 
OF 
JUSTICE
ANSWER TO THE FIRST QUESTION
INTRODUCTION
Plato was a Greek philosopher. He was born in Athens around 427 BC. He was the son of Ariston who the last descendent of Codrus, the last king of Athens. His mother Perictione was an Athenian lawmaker and the author of the city’s first constitution. He had two brothers Glaucon, Adeimantus and a sister Potone, the mother of Speusippus. After the death of his father Ariston, her mother got married to Pyrilampes, a friend of the Athenian statesman Pericles. 
Plato had good prospects of entering Athenian politics because of his intellectual qualities and as he belonged from a noble family and also because of the theory of justice formulated by him. However Plato turned away from the politics as it was dominated by two groups – the four hundred and the thirty. At the end of the Peloponnesian War this groups took control and enforced oligarchy in Athens. However Plato was opposed to this as he didn’t consider it as rational. 
Therefore Plato joined his brothers and became a student of Socrates who was also renowned philosopher. Plato was a devoted follower of Socrates and was very close to him. He later setup an academy where students were educated and trained in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, politics, and the natural and mathematical sciences. Till his death he remained the head of this academy and it is during this time span he wrote The Republic. It is in this where he gives his theory of justice.
ANALYSIS
In this theory of justice  he draws an analogy between soul and state. He says that the soul is divided into three parts the spirited part, rational part and the appetitive part.  The spirited part is one that which is responsible for honor and our feelings. It is the spirited soul that is strong and courageous. The rational part is one that seeks justice and is capable of taking philosophical and sensible decision. 
The appetitive part by which the soul becomes lusty and gets excited. Plato further says that the soul has to be on the right path if an individual wants to be just. The three parts of the soul follows a particular hierarchy according to which soul is ruled by rational part, this is supported by spirited part and the appetitive part follows the rational part. Similar to soul the society is divided into three parts- the rulers, the workers, the soldiers.
Plato says that each of the three have to play their respective roles only. The role of the ruler is to rule and provide guidance. He has to act as guardian of the society. The role of a soldier is to protect the nation and his ruler.

One criticism that has frequently been directed at Plato’s theory of justice and the ideal state is that true justice is only attainable for a select few. The fact that lies have to be used by the...

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