Justice In Plato

The concept of justice is an extremely vague and an ambiguous subject. Its characterization in the political arena, as well as in personal spheres may differ from person to person, as explored in Plato’s The Republic. The view of justice by Plato is understood by the need for structure and balance, represented by the groupings of the social classes, as well as of the soul; the incessant need for justice highlights the imperfections of humanity and demands balance and an ideal structure for societal convention.

Athens in Plato’s time provides an apt description of turmoil and numerous political shifts in a short period of time. The Peloponnesian War ended with Sparta as the victor, while Athens became a picture of the devastation of the war. The disparity of Athens became heightened by an onslaught of the plague, the devastating loss of humanity, as well as economic difficulties due to of the cost of the war. Furthermore, the political arena of Athens became controlled by the Thirty Tyrants, who “appointed a Council of 500 to serve the judicial functions formerly belonging to all the citizens” (Gill). Critias and Theramenes, the leaders of the Thirty Tyrants, eliminated the powers of a democracy and began to rule as an oligarchy, executing any who opposed their rule. Plato juxtaposes the oligarchic regime with the concept of justice in his vision of a perfect society. He understands that the imperfections of the human need to be subdued or hidden by organizational efforts. Plato highlights structure and organization by dividing the population into three spheres: guardians, auxiliaries and producers. Each class structure is designated a task, the leader must make fair decisions and decide fairly amongst the population, the guards m...

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...t a lethargic state. Instead, it implies the feeling of adaptability and compromise.

The need for justice signifies that there is turmoil within the population. Justice, in Plato’s example, neglects to mention the fundamental characteristics of humanity when dividing up the population. Although he mentions an innate desire for money and power, he does not take into consideration a possible solution if a rebellion were to start because of the farmers desire to rule and be equals. Plato also neglects the importance of the right of choice; a ruler can be a better warrior than a philosopher, a farmer may be more philosophical than a ruler. Although his theory is understood much better on paper, rather than in practice, the concept of structure, balance and impartiality symbolizes the idealized version of justice and portrays the idea of a harmonious and cohesive soul.