Republic On-Line

What is a just individual?  (Microcosm)  What is a just state?  (Macrocosm)

Tri-partite Nature of the Soul: Rational, Irrational, Appetitive

Microcosm: The Individual

Macrocosm: The State

Rational Principle: Reason

   Philosopher King/Queen

Irrational Principle:

Courage, Physical Action, Strength

   Guardians

Appetitive Principle: Sexual Urges,

Eating, Drinking, etc.

   Ordinary Citizens

Education and Training of Philosopher Kings/Queens:

Education and Training of Guardians:

[The Masses?]


State Regulated Marriage (for Guardians and above)

State Regulated Child Care Away from Parents, or "Collective Parentage"

Communal Ownership of Women and Children

Communal Ownership of Goods for Leaders

No Private Property for Leaders

No "Income" or Salary for Leaders

Women are Educated

Censorship of the Arts to "Protect" Guardians

As in the case of the individual, who is most productive when ruled strongly by the highest faculty (reason) in harmony with the others, so the best government rules strongly from above (Philosopher King/Queen) in harmony with the middle level (Guardians) and the lowest (us).

The worst form of government (well, besides none at all, or anarchy) is rule by many or the majority or the "mob": in other words, Democracy.