Oluwafemi Bolarfinwa

An Evaluation of Plato's Ideal State Oluwafemi Bolarfinwa

Scholarly Essay from the year 2009 in the subject Politics - Political Theory and the History of Ideas Journal, grade: 1.0, University of Lagos, language: English, abstract: This work is an attempt to undertake an evaluation of Plato's ideal state. It argues the position that there is a need to realign Plato's ideal State to embrace the contemporary realities of today without negating its goal for a transformed society brought about by transformative leadership. Plato posit that the human race will have no respite from evils until those who are really philosophers acquire political power or until, through some divine dispensation, those who rule and have political authority in the cities become real philosophers. Plato came to the conclusion that all existing governments were bad and almost beyond redemption thus he theorized for an ideal State. The ideal state, according to Plato, is composed of three classes. The economic structure of the state is maintained by the merchant class. Security needs are met by the military class, and political leadership is provided by the philosopher-kings. In an attempt to re-evaluate Plato's ideal state, this work re-emphasized the relevance of transformative leadership as a necessary tool for societal good and transformation. It urges for the adoption of the relevant areas of Plato's concept of an ideal State anchored on the prevailing need and realities of the contemporary society.