top of page
Experience the world of philosophy
PLATON 427–347 BC)
Plato (c. 427–347 BC) was a Greek philosopher, a student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle. He founded the Academy in Athens, the first known university in Western history. Plato developed the idea of a dual reality—the sensible world and the world of ideas—and believed that true knowledge comes from understanding eternal ideas such as justice, beauty, and goodness. Through dialogues with Socrates as the protagonist, he explored themes such as ethics, politics, love, and knowledge. His best-known work is “The Republic,” in which he outlines his vision of a just society ruled by philosophers.
QUOTES
Summary of Plato's Republic – and the essence of the work
📘 What is the Republic?
The Republic (Politeia) is Plato's best-known and most comprehensive dialogue, written around 380 BC. The work consists of ten books and unfolds as a conversation, mainly between Socrates and several others, where they discuss justice, the nature of society, the soul and the path of knowledge.
✨ The essence of the work:
How can we create a just society – and a just person?
🧭 Main themes and ideas:
1. 🔍 Justice
Socrates asks: What is justice? He rejects that it is “giving each his share” or “doing good to friends and evil to enemies”. Instead, he argues that justice in both the state and in man is harmony: that each part does what it is best suited for.
2. 🏛️ The ideal state
Plato describes a three-tiered social structure:
• Guardians (philosophers) – rule, with wisdom and insight.
• Guardian-assistants (warriors) – protect and defend.
• Producers (farmers, artisans, merchants) – provide the material basis of life.
Each group must perform its role – neither more nor less – for society to be just.
3. 🧠 The Philosopher King
Plato claims that only philosophers are fit to rule, because they seek truth and goodness, and do not allow themselves to be ruled by the desire for power or pleasure.
4. 🔥 The Allegory of the Cave
One of Plato's most famous images:
We are like prisoners in a cave, who only see shadows of reality. The philosopher is the one who breaks free, sees the light (the world of ideas), and returns to help others – even if they initially want to oppose the truth.
5. 💡 The World of Ideas
Plato claims that there is an invisible, eternal and unchanging world of ideas, which is the real thing. Everything in our world is only copies – shadows – of these perfect forms.
6. 🧭 The Soul and Virtue
The human soul has three parts:
• Reason – seeks wisdom.
• Will – seeks honor and courage.
• Desire – seeks pleasure and property.
Justice in the individual arises when reason governs, the will supports, and desire is under control.
🎯 In summary:
The Republic is not only a political theory, but also a metaphysical and psychological vision. Plato shows how true justice requires order in both the soul and the state, and that philosophy is the path to true insight and a good life.
bottom of page