Plato theory of justice Also known as Theory of Socrates in Political Science . According to CSS exams and PMS exams . Very helpfull to the point free Notes.
Introduction: Plato's theory of justice
Plato does not concieve of justice as a mere abiding by the laws , seeing that the intinsic nature of the human essence . An equitable state , Plato contends , is attaines considering the welfare of the whole . In a fair society , the rulers , the military , the artisan , all behave in a specified way , as they oughyt to behave . In such a society , the rulers are prudent , the soldiers are courageous , and all the producers perform self-control or moderation . Justice is the essential subject of Plato's Republic. It is in Plato's opinion , a moral notion.
The important features of Plato's theory of justice. can be mentioned thus :
- Justice is another name of righteousness
- It is more the performance of duties than the enjoyment of rights.
- It is a social morality ;mens obligation
- It is the strength of the social fabric as it involves a web of social system.
Three basic forces ,Plato contends , motivate men. They are the forces of desire and eppetite, spirit or courage and reason .Each is present in every man in varying amounts , but one is always predominant. Society may be divided into three classes according to relative amount of each force present in individual who comprise the community . The men who are motivated by largely eppetite will constitute the largest class . fewer will be motivated by courage but they will still be more numerous than those dominated by reason . Thus from the standpoint of numerous , the reasoning class will be smallest.
The lowest of the of three classes that constitute the state is the artisan class , whose function is to supply the community with material necessities of life. The principle of specialization must be applied so as to prevent artisans from acting in any other field of state activity . However , a community that exists merely to gratify its desires is no state at all. A refined civilaztion requires a large population and territory to contain it . Since people and land must be defended, the state must establish a military guardian class consisting of those who are dominated by courage . A gain the service is specialized only those who are qualified will be permitted to perform the specific function of military guardianship.
From a select handful of the soldiers guardians will be chosen the ruling class of the state . These few will be endowed with reason and motivated by their willingness to serve as rulers. they will not ahve only the greatest capacity to think philosophically , but they will also realize that their welfare is inseparably bound with the welfare of the whole . These qualities will flourish and permit a kind of ruler ship never before seen : a rulership absolutely devoted the interest of community.
However , Plato is searching for justice . What have class structure and specialization to do with justice ? The answer is every thing.To Platon, Justice is the product of class division and specialization of functions . He defines justice as 'giving to everyman his due '. And his due is to be assigned the particular task which he is best qualified by his aptitude and training to perform. This definition has no legal or justice connotation. It is not concerned with the rights on an individual against the state . It has to do with judicial procedures . To Plato , it is obvious that the state which arranges matters so that each person ;rules , soldier-gaurdian , and artisan is doing what he ought to be doing is the superior state.
Characteritics: Plato's theory of Justice.
- Division of a society
- Specialization
- Non-interference
Criticism: Plato's theory of justice.
- Division of society is not possible
- Static concept of life
- Lack of opportunities
- Ignores rights
- Non-interference is possible
- Division of society is not possible
- Static concept of life
- Lack of opportunities
- Ignores rights
- Non-interference is possible
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