Philosophy of Plato’s ideal City Essay

An Ideal City and Moral Values

Plato’s ideal city can rightfully be called a city of pigs as it is in people’s blood to desire more than some food, clothes and dwelling. People tend to create comfortable conditions. Many people also enjoy creating, watching or possessing beautiful things which cannot be regarded as essentials. Therefore, no state can have the only aim to create some structures for economic growth.

People must have an opportunity to enjoy beautiful things (masterpieces of art) as these things are heritage of the entire humanity. At the same time, any society has to impose certain moral values based on the principles of justice. People must understand that moral conduct is essential. People must behave morally, irrespective of their fear of punishment or desire of joy. Of course, the state should be governed by a group of people who are close to (i.e. understand the needs of) all other groups.

These groups include, producers, guardians (police), ‘caretakers’ (educators, medics, etc.). I believe the state should redistribute resources to ensure the public good. Taxation is one of the forms of redistribution. I think health care, education and care about elderly people as well as state’s order should be ensured by the state. The rest can be financed by those interested in a particular sphere.

Education in the City

Plato’s system of education is very effective as the philosopher stresses that young people must be surrounded by the right information. I agree with such a position and I also think that young people cannot be exposed to examples of vicious and immoral conduct. Otherwise, young people may see that such conduct is possible and will try to copy the behavioral patterns they observed. Education in the ideal city should be based on the principle of morality. Of course, young people should obtain basic knowledge about the world around them.

They should also be able to acquire certain skills to become members of the society. Apart from acquiring certain facts and skills, young people should be taught the principles of morality. It is not enough to tell young people that they should conduct in a proper way, but it is essential to show what can come of the person who breaks the rules.

Of course, this is not only about certain punishment. Young people should see that the vicious personality degrades and this may become one of the reasons why the majority of people will avoid misbehaving.

Functions in Society

Plato argues that people should carry out a single function in the society. For instance, guardians should protect the society and future guardians should be chosen and educated properly. Admittedly, this approach has a number of advantages, but it also has some drawbacks.

As for the positive effects of this approach, people fulfilling only one function can achieve really outstanding results in their sphere due to their experience and expertise. However, there are far too many hazards. First, choosing people to carry out the right function can be difficult or even impossible. Of course, some people show interest and more abilities in certain spheres.

Nonetheless, this interest and expertise may change during people’s lives. Thus, if a person was chosen to fulfill certain functions, there are risks that this person will fail. People also tend to get bored with routine tasks and start making mistakes. Therefore, I do not think such an approach is appropriate for an ideal society. I think people should have freedom to choose their path and to change their lives if they want to.