I think that there are many instances in Plato's Republic where he is, instead of providing a picture of the ideal society, painting a picture of a dystopic society in order for the reader to get a reaction. It leads us to question some of our premises that we began with.
is oligarcy the best form of goverment stuff like that
Well, my definition of the best government is a large, fair, and efficient government. Now, dictatorships are large and efficient, but not fair or just.
Oligarchies are usually clumped along with fascist and totalitarian governments. It would be the best for those in power, but not for those oppressed/
I think that if you could find a dictator that wouldnt get corrupted by power, fascism would work very well.. but i think that much power is too much for any 1 human
I think that if you could find a dictator that wouldnt get corrupted by power, fascism would work very well.. but i think that much power is too much for any 1 human
Fascism is much more than a totalitarian dictatorship. It is hard to describe what Fascism is, but most people can agree on the ideals that only one party holds power in a Fascist government. I don't think that any amount supreme nationalism could support a one-party government.
Ideal government for me - a government with so little responsibility (only defending the many when it cannot be accomplished privately - the proper function of government) that what should be done is incredibly clear in almost all situations. As a result, it would be incredibly efficient.
I believe the role of the government is to figure out what I should and should not eat, keep drugs away from me as a way to keep them away from children (because that's obviously super effective), and to decide how my money is spent (not all of it, some of it I am allowed to keep for myself, how generous!). People can't be trusted. We just aren't smart enough, but those within the government are the smartest people out there! They are morally good and they are always fair, allowing those sick marijuana users to rot in hell.
That's the role of the government, or at least what I believe it should be.
Do the values in platos republic hold in modern society
@Kevin - Yeah it is about what the ideal government is, but put in the context of Plato's Republic. We can talk about: 1. Whether the values of Plato's Republic are overall positive at least back then. 2. Whether these "virtues" should remain positive today. 3. What the ideal government (which Plato's Republic addresses should include.
