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I Life II Political Thought III Critical Evaluation. Plato (427-347). I Life. Born 427 in Athens during war Politically connected; student of Socrates Disillusionment with politics and turn to philosophy Founding of the Academy 386 Writes politeia around 375
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I Life II Political Thought III Critical Evaluation Plato (427-347)
I Life • Born 427 in Athens during war • Politically connected; student of Socrates • Disillusionment with politics and turn to philosophy • Founding of the Academy 386 • Writes politeia around 375 • Trips to Sicily 367 / 361 • Two later works: politikon and nomoi
I Life II Political Thought III Critical Evaluation Plato (427-347)
Political Thought • Cycle of governments oligarchy – democracy – tyranny (562a) 2 Search for the best society division of labour (374) 3 virtues: wisdom / courage / self-discipline (432) 3 classes: rulers / soldiers / workers (415) • Justice “give every man his due,” (331e) or “minding your own business” (433b) 4 Search for the best polity the collective life of guardians (416d, 457d) the philosopher-kings (473c) the role of ideology (414c_ social equality (421d) and territorial self-sufficiency (423b)
I Life II Political Thought III Critical Evaluation Plato (427-347)
III Critical Evaluation • Class justice? • Conditions for political stability Leadership Ideology Equality (but some are more equal than others) • What is platonic about Plato? are we all cavemen? (514a)