Platos' Theory of Human Nature

Platos' Theory of Human Nature

In my opinion, Socrates’ analysis of human nature is very true as it ultimately brings us

his definition of justice. I agree with his theory of human nature but not his

social-political theory. In order to understand Plato’s theory of human nature and his

social-political theory, we must examine each one of them closely. Plato believed that no

one is self-sufficient enough to live individually. Human beings are not created equally;

some of us are born wiser then the rest and some of us are just born stronger. For this

reason, only the select few (which would be the guardians) among us are supposed to

know what is best for the society and therefore becomes the ruler of everyone else. Our

reasoning, spirit, and natural wants are all part of human nature. In book 1 of The

Republic, Plato had several detailed discussions on the nature of justice with other

speakers in a dialogue form. The process of discussion involves Socrates’ questioning,

arguing against various inadequate theories that attempts to define the true meaning of

justice. From the rich old man Cephalus, we learned that justice involves telling the truth

and repaying one’s debts. However, Socrates points out that this definition of justice is

inadequate because it cannot account for the instances of certain circumstances. The

simple example of returning a borrowed weapon to an insane friend who demands the

return of his weapon, would be an instance of following the rule but would not seem to

be just. Then Polemarchus, Cephalus’s son attempts to define justice by proposing that

justice means “ one should pay what is owed”. Not returning or refusing to return the

borrowed weapon would clearly benefit one’...

... middle of paper ...

... Plato believed that the entire city as a whole will

operate smoothly, exhibiting the harmony that is justice. Then, a human being is only

properly said to be just when the three souls perform their proper functions in harmony

with each other, working in agreement for the good of the person as a whole. In

conclusion, it was found that the education of the guardians was necessary to keep the

city running and with their education you must devote their lives to persue the common

goals and good of the city. Once the individual and the other individuals in the society or

city were working in complete harmony only then would the circle be complete and

everything would run smoothly. However, in order to achieve this the guardian had to be

trained right and raised accordingly. The people must cooperate. Everyone would reap

the benefits from a perfect society.