Plato's theory of justice
Topic: Equality and Social Justice · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 1 "Political Theory: An Introduction"; Class 11, Ch 4 "Social Justice"
Meaning
In the Republic, Plato speaks through Socrates. He says justice is the well-being of all, not the gain of the stronger. A just society has three classes: rulers, soldiers and producers. Justice exists when each class does the work it suits best and does not interfere in the work of others. Socrates compared this to a doctor who serves patients: justice serves everyone's long-term good. The philosopher Karl Popper (1945) criticised this picture as hierarchical, meaning it fixes people in ranks.
Example
In Plato's ideal city, a farmer farms, a soldier guards and a ruler governs. If a soldier tried to rule, the order would break down. To Plato, that would be injustice.
Don't confuse with
- Glaucon's view of justice: Glaucon saw justice as an agreement people make out of fear. Plato saw it as harmony, with each class doing its own proper work.
Related concepts
- Justice
- Dharma as justice
- Confucian idea of justice
- Glaucon's view of justice
- Giving each person his due