Chapter 5
Chapter 5 Virtue, in me and in my society
In this chapter, Plato seeks to solve an important problem: how to live a perfect life. Plato believes that the true value of life lies in whether we have the virtues of courage and justice. These virtues are also called wisdom, which refers to the specific knowledge that guides virtue.
Plato firmly believes that virtue has its special position and value. It can be said that virtue is an important factor guiding life. Other aspects are just the material conditions for virtue to be displayed.
However, Plato's other point of view is difficult to accept by modern readers, that is, to becoming like god. Plato believes that letting virtues mean that life planning is not enough. The real wisdom is to stay away from real life and to be like god as far as is possible.
The core of Plato's idea of governing the country is to solve individualism. Plato outlined an ideal city-state in the "Republic", and in the "Laws" specifically describes how to govern a city-state. He re-created a political and educational system in anticipation of cultivating ideal citizens.
Regarding democracy, Plato considers this to be a hazard because it can govern the country without special knowledge, and some rulers tend to be self-reliant and lawless. However, when Plato thinks about real problems, he believes that although democracy is not satisfactory, it still outperforms other choices and is the best solution that can be implemented in reality.
京公网安备 11010802032529号