Plato's Craft Analogy Essay

In this essay I will critically consider Plato’s critique of democracy, focussing on his ‘Craft’ analogy of state leadership against democracy and his argument for philosopher kings. I will argue that Plato’s concerns while valid in some respect are limited as a derogation of democracy in most of its forms. I will then argue that the craft analogy is applicable to direct democracy, but the concerns it raises are easily countered by other forms of democracy that would resolve such problems.

Following this I will address the ‘Philosopher kings’ solution suggested by Plato and argue that Plato's proposal of ‘philosopher kings’ would establish a ruling class unfit to and unable to resolve Plato's early concerns raised in the craft analogy, and

Plato begins his critique by presenting the idea of a ship owner who is seeking a ship pilot, many candidates put themselves forward but only one has the skills in navigation and sailing required to actually sail the ship. The less qualified candidates do not see this as the case, as they have no idea that the true navigator must “pay attention to the seasons of the year, the sky, the stars, the winds and everything that is proper to the art if he is really going to be skilled at ruling a ship” (Bloom, 1991:168) and do not believe skills qualifying them for the task are even possible to learn. This analogy is intended to reflect the ship of state, and the rulers and the demos of city

I however would argue that while the philosopher has his part to play in the running of state alongside many other figures of varied backgrounds and expertise he lacks the wide range of knowledge required to do so alone, by all means establish a panel of philosophers to tackle the pursuit of higher goods, but not without those with experience in the management of infrastructure and those of diverse and varied backgrounds from which a greater understanding of what is best for the people and the practical knowledge required to put such thought into