Plato (427-347)

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Plato (427-347) I Life II Political Thought III Critical Evaluation

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I Life II Political Thought III Critical Evaluation. Plato (427-347). I Life. Born 427 in Athens during war Politically connected; student of Socrates Disillusionment with politics and turn to philosophy Founding of the Academy 386 Writes politeia around 375 - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Plato (427-347)

Page 1: Plato (427-347)

Plato (427-347)

I Life

II Political Thought

III Critical Evaluation

Page 2: Plato (427-347)

I Life

• Born 427 in Athens during war• Politically connected; student of Socrates• Disillusionment with politics and turn to

philosophy• Founding of the Academy 386• Writes politeia around 375• Trips to Sicily 367 / 361• Two later works: politikon and nomoi

Page 3: Plato (427-347)

Plato (427-347)

I Life

II Political Thought

III Critical Evaluation

Page 4: Plato (427-347)

Political Thought1 Cycle of governments

oligarchy – democracy – tyranny (562a)2 Search for the best society

division of labour (374)3 virtues: wisdom / courage / self-discipline (432)3 classes: rulers / soldiers / workers (415)

3 Justice “give every man his due,” (331e) or “minding your own business” (433b)

4 Search for the best politythe collective life of guardians (416d, 457d)the philosopher-kings (473c)the role of ideology (414c_social equality (421d) and territorial self-sufficiency (423b)

Page 5: Plato (427-347)

Plato (427-347)

I Life

II Political Thought

III Critical Evaluation

Page 6: Plato (427-347)

III Critical Evaluation

• Class justice?• Conditions for political stability

LeadershipIdeologyEquality (but some are more equal

than others)• What is platonic about Plato?

are we all cavemen? (514a)