Plato’s “The Republic”, Essay Example

Plato’s “The Republic” represents a monumental contribution to a number of ideas within politics, reality, and other subjects.  In this work we see the key idea in the relationship between the individual.  We also see the topic of reality suturing “The Republic” in this dialogue.  The views within the dialogue help create an understanding as proposed by Plato.

The State

In “The Republic” we see the key dialogues within the work that surround the relationship between the individual and the State.  As the views propose a positive relationship, where the State is necessary from the aspect of the individual and society in general, these can be seen as complementing each other.  Pericles and Socrates certainly convey these views within the dialogue.

Pericles presents a harmonious relationship between the individual and State.  According to Pericles, the best interests of the individual are found in the successes of the State.  The State’s success allows an individual to live a prosperous life.

Thus we find the harmony in Pericles’ take on the subject.  If a State goes to ruin, so too would the individual’s private life.  In other words, if an individual’s private life and affairs are to be prosperous, the State’s endeavors and nature must be as well.

The view of Socrates can be seen along the same lines as Pericles.  Socrates holds that the relationship of the individual to the State is that of a child to a parent.  Socrates states that one must not do wrong to one’s State, just as one would not hurt his mother or father.  As expressed by Socrates in “The Republic,” the individual’s relationship to the State is certainly significant and vital.  The individual must act accordingly in order to provide harmony in this relationship, similar to that of a parent and child.

Harmony is of prime importance when these views are considered.  In fact, it could be argued that, in “The Republic,” this could be seen as the primary dynamic in the relationship between the individual and the State.  This balance is argued by Pericles, Socrates, and of course by Plato to be essential.

“The Republic” presents a harmonious State.  This has certain implications for the individual, which must realize this importance.  Hence, it is realized that if a flourishing State is not intact, it would have repercussions on the individual.

Overall the individual and State must work together for the good of both.  The individual relies on the State like a child to a parent, as one’s success is maintained as a figure within the larger picture.  The State too relies on the individual to obtain high standards and activities, and the many essentials needed to flourish in different contexts.

Reality

The nature of reality is certainly a subject known to Plato.  In “The Republic” we do see dialogue relating to the understanding of reality.  In this we find the views of Parmenides and Heraclitus.

In Heraclitus we find the famous doctrine that “all flows.”  All things are united in a becoming of life and death.  There is a dynamic unity of all opposites, and the flux of existing things can be seen in the transformation between pairs of contrary principles.

Structure in the flux is found by Heraclitus.  The Logos is present in the world and the mind, according to Heraclitus.  As a result, the world is seen as the perpetual transformation of things into their opposites.

Opposing Heraclitus, Parmenides argued that the One has no opposites.  That is, both affirm the One, yet while in Heraclitus we find the union of opposites, Parmenides holds no opposites.  In this we find the key difference.

As seen in Parmenides, we view the emphasis of being.  This is contrasted drastically in Heraclitus, who embraces becoming.  Thus for Parmenides, the One cannot exist in the world in any other form that what it already is.  Thus, no opposites and characterizations of motion, flux, or plurality exist, regardless of the senses.

In a preliminary sense Plato combined the two.  Plato’s Forms argue for unchanging qualities and principles which exist apart from a changing world of phenomena.  The world of the senses refers to the changes that our senses grasp.  This is contrasted in the world if ideas, in which Plato’s Forms are found, as expressed in detail in “the Republic.”

Conclusion

In these views found in “The Republic,” there is certainly some contrast and harmony to be found in these two dynamics.  Initially we find the relationship between the individual and the State as harmonious in respect to the ends of each.  Ultimately the individual and the State, if prosperous, must cultivate it for success within the government Plato proposes.

In the nature of reality, we find two contrasting views.  The changing notion of reality is argued for on both sides, where Plato recognizes each in context for his doctrine.  In both cases, Plato can be seen, at least on a preliminary level, to utilize the views of those expressed in this dialogue in his doctrine.

Works Cited

Plato. The Republic. Tras. B. Jowett. Millis, MA: Agora, 2001.