The Communitarian Vision of Plato's Socrates
Table of contents
The Communitarian Vision of Plato’s Socrates
Overview
In the dialogues of Plato, the figure of Socrates is depicted as a proponent of communism, advocating for the sharing of resources and property among individuals within society. This vision extends to the realm of family relationships, where friends are encouraged to have all things in common, including women and children. The goal of this arrangement is to create a more just and equal society.
Context
The ideas of Plato’s Socrates on communism emerged during the Ancient Greek Golden Age (5th-4th century BCE), a period marked by significant cultural and philosophical advancements. The dominant social and economic systems at that time were based on private property, with individuals holding control over their own resources.
Plato’s philosophy was influenced by his mentor Socrates’ method of questioning, which aimed to uncover the truth about justice and ethics. Plato’s Theory of Forms posited the existence of abstract, eternal entities that underlie the physical world. This idea is closely tied to the concept of communism, as it implies a shared, universal reality beyond individual possessions.
Timeline
- 428-399 BCE: Socrates’ life and teachings in Athens
- 387-347 BCE: Plato founds the Academy in Athens, an institution dedicated to philosophical inquiry
- 380-360 BCE: Plato writes several dialogues, including The Republic and Symposium, which explore the concept of communism
- 350-300 BCE: The rise of Stoicism, a school that emphasizes reason, self-control, and living in accordance with nature
- 320-280 BCE: Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, which critiques Plato’s ideas on human nature and society
Key Terms and Concepts
Communism
A system in which resources are shared equally among individuals, often without private property or ownership. In the context of Plato’s Socrates, communism is seen as a means to achieve social justice and equality.
Equality
The state of being equal in rights, status, or ability. In Plato’s vision, equality between men and women is a fundamental principle of his communist society.
Justice
A concept that refers to the fair and just distribution of resources and benefits within society. According to Plato’s Socrates, justice is achieved through communism and the sharing of all things in common.
Philosopher-King
The ideal ruler, who possesses wisdom and knowledge gained from philosophical inquiry. In Plato’s The Republic, the philosopher-king is seen as the highest authority in society.
Theory of Forms
Plato’s idea that abstract, eternal entities underlie the physical world. The Theory of Forms provides a metaphysical foundation for the concept of communism.
Key Figures and Groups
Socrates
A philosopher who lived in Athens during the 5th century BCE. Socrates’ method of questioning and dialogue is central to Plato’s philosophy.
Plato
A student of Socrates, who founded the Academy in Athens and wrote several influential dialogues on communism and social justice.
Academy
An institution established by Plato for philosophical inquiry and education. The Academy became a hub for intellectual discussion and debate in ancient Greece.
Mechanisms and Processes
Socrates’ argument for communism can be broken down into the following steps:
- The importance of sharing: Socrates argues that sharing resources and property is essential for achieving social justice and equality.
- Equality between men and women: He posits that women should have complete equality with men in all respects, including education and participation in politics.
- Education as a means to achieve communism: The same education that makes a man a good guardian will make a woman a good guardian; for their original nature is the same.
- Philosopher-King as the ideal ruler: The philosopher-king is seen as the highest authority in society, who possesses wisdom and knowledge gained from philosophical inquiry.
Deep Background
The concept of communism has its roots in ancient Greek philosophy, where it was often associated with the idea of living a simple life. In Plato’s The Republic, Socrates argues that the ideal society would be one in which citizens share all things in common, including women and children.
Explanation and Importance
Plato’s vision of communism is significant because it challenges traditional notions of family relationships and property ownership. The idea of sharing resources and property among individuals within society has had a lasting impact on Western philosophy.
Comparative Insight
Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics critiques Plato’s ideas on human nature and society, arguing that the concept of communism is impractical and unnatural. Aristotle posits that humans are naturally inclined to possess private property and engage in economic activities.
Extended Analysis
The Role of Education
Plato’s emphasis on education as a means to achieve communism highlights its importance in shaping individual character and behavior. The same education that makes a man a good guardian will make a woman a good guardian; for their original nature is the same.
The Ideal Ruler
The concept of the philosopher-king is central to Plato’s vision of communism, as it represents the ideal ruler who possesses wisdom and knowledge gained from philosophical inquiry.
Challenges to Communism
Aristotle’s critique of communism raises questions about its practicality and feasibility in real-world societies. The challenges to implementing communism are significant, including issues related to property ownership and individual freedom.
Quiz
Open Thinking Questions
- How might the concept of communism be applied in modern societies, given its challenges and limitations?
- What are the implications of Plato’s vision of communism for our understanding of human nature and society?
- Can the ideal ruler, or philosopher-king, be seen as a realistic and achievable goal in modern societies?
Conclusion
Plato’s Socrates presents a vision of communism that challenges traditional notions of family relationships and property ownership. The concept of sharing resources and property among individuals within society has had a lasting impact on Western philosophy. However, the practicality and feasibility of implementing communism are significant concerns that must be addressed in any attempt to realize this ideal.