Q) Critically examine Plato’s concept of the Philosopher King?

Or
Q) Discuss the rationalist vision of Plato as brought out in his
theory of Philosopher King.

Ans) Introduction
Plato (428/27-348/47 BC), a Greek philosopher, is one of the most creative influential
thinkers in political philosophy. This outstanding Greek philosophers has left behind
many important works, out of which ‘the Republic’ is of great interest to all those
interested in the history of political ideas. Plato has been credited for laying the
foundations of the Greek political theory, as he explored, analyzed and covered a wide
range of philosophical perspectives and issues. In his philosophy Plato gives a prominent
place to the theory of the philosopher ruler. ‘Philosopher king’, the idea according to
which the best form of government is that in which philosophers rule. The ideal of a
philosopher king was born in Plato’s dialogue ‘Republic’ as part of the vision of a just
city. It was influential in the Roman Empire and was even revived in European political
thought in the age of absolutist monarchs. Plato's rulers had the responsibilities of
preserving and promoting the interests of the whole community. Their aim is, as Plato
expressed in the ‘Republic’, giving orders and happiness to the state.

Philosopher Ruler
The existing states were imperfect because philosophers were not rulers, which is why
Plato gave the idea of philosopher king. The theory of the philosopher ruler was the
linchpin of Plato’s Ideal State. It was derived from the conviction that the philosopher
had the knowledge, intellect and training to govern. Ruling, like any other task, required
skills and qualifications, and its aim was the general well-being of all. A good ruler was
one who not only preserved the lives of his subjects, but also transformed them as
human beings. The philosopher ruler was the right person to govern, for he would be
less enthused about acquiring power for self- prestige.
Plato took the idea of philosopher king from Socrates, who on the insistence of Glaucon
defined a philosopher as one who loved wisdom, had a passion for knowledge, and was
always curious and eager to learn. On seeking clarification as to whether theatre fans
and music lovers qualified, Socrates underlined that a philosopher was the one who
loved truth.
A philosopher by his grasp of the Idea of Good was best qualified to rule, implying that
knowledge could be obtained only by a select few who had the leisure and the material
comforts. Plato shared the general Greek perception that leisure was essential for the
pursuit of wisdom. A philosopher would be able to administer justice and act for the
good of the community. He would have a good character, a calm disposition and a
sound mind. He would have the qualities of a ruler, namely truthfulness, high-
mindedness, discipline and courage. Undaunted by death, and being a lover of truth, he
would be honest and forthright. He would not be petty or mean, being above physical
and material pleasures. Devoid of emotional ties and economic considerations, he
would be public-spirited and wise.
Plato insisted that politics and philosophy ought to be safe for one another. A
philosopher ruler would make a wise legislator and frame laws in accordance with the
Idea of Good. For Plato, an Ideal State ruled by the philosopher ruler was a divine
institution perfectly worthy of emulation and imitation. Political philosophy became a
practical enterprise, in which various possibilities of establishing a good society in light
of the philosopher’s vision of Good was the aim. The Idea of Good was the highest form
of knowledge. It could be compared with the Sun, for it illuminated all intelligible and
knowable things.
Plato’s rationale for conferring absolute power to the enlightened philosopher ruler was
essentially to achieve two unrelated aims. The first was to avoid tyranny and caprice,
the second being the welfare of the community. Strict control over education, family
life, and property and living arrangements ensured that the ruler did not become self-
serving, imperious and dictatorial. Plato was confident that austerity and self- denial
would lead to the cultivation of temperance and endurance, making the ruler selfless.
He saw philosophic rule as being beneficial to both the ruler the subject. He was
confident that it would promote the happiness of the entire community. By happiness
he meant harmony, efficiency and moral goodness.

Criticism of the Philosopher Ruler

Plato denied the participation of the average person in politics and decision making
processes. By discounting the opinion of the average person, Plato tried to play safe and
prevent any opposition, criticism, dissent or even disobedience. He justified it on the
grounds that these lead to factionalism and particularism, whereas a good society
should promote the common good. Plato rejected majoritarianism and popular
participation on the grounds that the ordinary person did not have the capacity to
comprehend absolute truth and Idea of Good. Plato’s arguments were similar to those
who advocate army rule in contemporary times.

Conclusion
Plato was the first systematic political theorist, and a study of the Western philosophical
tradition begins with his masterpiece, the ‘Republic’. The ‘Republic’ dealt with the
question of establishing Ideal State. In answering this question, it focused on the
qualities of the ruler and gave the notion of ‘Philosophical Ruler’ for the same. The
theme of Plato's social and political thought, especially of the ‘Republic’ was that
philosophy alone offers true power-it also is the way to knowledge. The philosopher
knows the forms, the ideals. He alone is fit to rule-those who are guided by reason and
knowledge and alone should have the power. They alone are capable of establishing
justice.