The Last Condition of Plato’s Republic: The Philosopher-King

Authors : Özlem Ünlü

Pages : 106-118

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Publication Date : 2023-10-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In Plato\'s dialogue of the Republic, politics is a concept questioned in the context of one of the most ancient problems of philosophy, that is, the relationship between theory and practice, and formulated as a paradox. Plato finds a solution to the paradox by establishing the city-state proximate to his theory and to put forward three conditions. The last of those conditions, as Plato calls it the greatest wave of paradox in his own terms, that the rulers must be philosopher-kings, contains many clues about Plato\'s conception of politics. The aim of this study is to examine the implications of the philosopher-king condition in Plato\'s political philosophy. To this end, first, it is demonstrated that the political meaning of the philosopher\'s exit from the cave on the way to becoming ruler is apolitical. Secondly, it will be shown how the political activity of the philosopher, contrary to the nature of politics and in a way that excludes others, is reduced to both ascetic and cognitive activity.
Keywords : Plato, Republic, Philosopher King, Paradox, Justice