Platonism Platonism is referred to as the philosophy of Plato and other philosophical systems derived from it.

t. The belief that physical objects are impermanent representations of unchanging Ideas, and that the Ideas alone give true knowledge as they are known by the mind.

Natural Law A rule or body of rules of conduct inherent in human nature and essential to or binding upon human society An ethical belief or system of beliefs supposed to be inherent in human nature and discoverable by reason rather than revelation

Defining human nature Plato defines humanity in terms of reason People have urges and instincts but what differentiates us from animals is our ability to think and reason Reason gives us the ability to act on principle or thoughtlessly Our reasoning helps us distinguish which behaviors support or prevent human flourishing Plato strongly supports natural law When all the power of an individual and society are working together for the good of the whole

Plato and Natural Law An object or an action is good if it reflects something of the "form of good", a metaphysical essence which we somehow know through reason but cannot physically experience

Positive Law A man-made law established by the authorities which is based on the universally accepted moral principles, "God's law, and derived from nature and reason

Plato and positive law Plato was a believer in "natural law" but he believed that law may be positive in origin but natural in content

Plato and Civil Disobedience Plato believed in the ideal state where the ruling philosophers would create laws that benefit society and civil disobedience would not be necessary. However, like his teacher, Socrates, Plato believed that in an imperfect society disobeying unjust laws was demanding justice. If a ruler can create just laws, and if the warriors can carry out the orders of the rulers, and if the producers can obey this authority, then a society will be just. - Republican Dialogue

Plato & Justice Justice occurs when the elements of the whole are acting in accordance with one another Doing ones own work and not meddling with what is not ones own Justice should be evident in both individual and the state A state achieves justice when every individual in it follows his/her natural function

Plato's theory of soul Plato claims that the soul of the man mirrors society, meaning the components of the soul of the ideal man are the components of the ideal society. The soul of the man consists of rational, spirited, appetite. o The rational is the reason (mind and intellect) the logistic part of the soul that determines what is true and what is false, it controls the other parts of the soul.

o The spirited is the part of the soul that loves honor, victory, and challenge. It reinforces of the rational part. The spirited gets angry from frustration of injustice. o The appetite represents the souls desires necessary (i.e. necessity for food and water) and unnecessary (i.e. sexual desires, money). And is restricted by the other two parts of the soul. These parts of the soul portray the roles in society. o The rational the rulers (Guardians) which are the philosopher king. o The Spirited The army (Auxiliary), responsible for enforcing the will of the guardians. o The Appetite is the workers and simple laborers class; always controlled by the other two roles and always desire to reach the higher roles. In his ideal city Plato explains that for a just society to exist each individual must remain in the role he was given.

Platos Republic tripartite theory of soul: On the Negative Side Plato urges society to choose a leader which is educated and philosophical. Meaning a person that has knowledge in leading the government. Suggests that ruling should not be given to person with education and knowledge of how to do the job. Plato promotes education that will produce people capable of holding professions.

On the Positive side This theory can be interpreted as a form of utilitarianism society. In the Republic Plato outlines the various roles of the individual in the society. These roles in Platos ideal city match in a way the roles in a utilitarianism society. In which there is one or a group of leaders deciding the rules and roles in the society, under the leaders are the army which enforces the decisions of the leaders. Finally both control the common people and inhibit them from reaching their desires. In his book the open society and its Enemies Karl Popper critics Plato theory He claims that his tripartite theory of soul caused the rise of other theories such as communism by Karl Marx Claims that eventually gave inspiration to people such as Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin.