The education of philosopher kings is also outlined, which focuses on directing their minds away from material things toward contemplation of ideal forms.Ĭhapters eleven and twelve look at how the ideal community might degenerate into lesser forms of government. This serves as a metaphor for the idea that goodness exists in the ideal intelligible world of abstract ideas rather the sensible world of material objects. Goodness consists in the sun outside the cave, but most people remain trapped inside in darkness, seeing only shadows against the cave wall. Rejecting the idea that goodness consists in pleasure, Socrates tries to explain his own view via the allegory of the cave. In chapters nine and ten, the essence and meaning of goodness is explored. These are people who love wisdom and are interested in the essential nature of things rather than superficial appearances. He suggests it would take “philosopher kings” to install it. Socrates asks how this ideal constitution would come about. Only the best men and women would be allowed to procreate, at specific prescribed times. Women should be allowed to occupy the positions of guardians provided they have the required character traits. In chapters seven and eight the role of women and sexual relations in this community is established. The rulers represent rationality, the auxiliaries passion, and the workers and farmers physical desire.
Socrates argues that the division of these groups in society corresponds to the tripartite structure of the human mind. A “noble lie” or myth would be told to ensure that individuals remained within their allocated castes. The guardians themselves would be divided into two castes: rulers and auxiliaries. Theses would be communal and austere with no property ownership. Chapters five and six discuss the lives and responsibilities of the guardians. They should not be told stories that promote immorality or disharmony, but only those that promote virtuous and socially useful behaviour. Next, Socrates outlines the ideal education for the guardians. These are rooted in economic need and entail a division of labour where a separate warrior caste called “guardians” are needed. To do this, he discusses this community’s origins.
To address this challenge, Socrates, in chapters three and four, examines morality within a hypothetical ideal human community.
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