140 Political Theory: The Relationship of Man and the Statecharge would decide who would mate and when for purposes of
procreation— the idea of breeding to improve the stock was more
important than the concept of family. Immediately after birth,
the newborn would be placed in nurseries, never to know their
parents, and would begin the long educational process. This
system served a twofold purpose: the guardians were left free to
serve the community, and there was no possibility of favoritism
towards the offspring of the rulers. Also, the Platonic concept of
love elevated the ideal of spiritual, cerebral love, far above that
temporary, insufficient experience of carnal love.
The “Allegory of the Cave” is in part a description of the path
these philosopher kings would follow. They would “see the
light” and come to know the good. Those who had not seen the
light would not be able to understand the lifestyle, the commit
ment to truth, the disdain of the material world that these
philosopher kings had obtained. That is why the self control of
the artisans is the necessary virtue. They would obey the laws,
and the laws would be just; they would also live in the material
world, enjoying those temporary pleasures that were important
to those of their station. Finally, there would be no attempts on
the part of the guardians to convert the artisans to a life of
contemplation. They all serve the state— the guardians, the
warriors, and the artisans— when they take their rightful place,
carry out their assigned duties, and live as a part of a harmonious
whole.
In The Laws, one of Plato’s last works, he modifies many of
the particulars of this ideal state—perhaps his idealism became
tempered as he grew older—but he insisted that this ideal, had in
part, to be a pattern for the real. All states had to have a ruling
class, and he considered his basis for governing a reasonable
one. All states need harmony within the various classes. He
considered his ideal one to be aimed at, if not achieved. He
obviously believed that education was an important goal and one
of the most important functions of any state.
The importance of the conditions of Socrates’ death in Plato’s
political philosophy should not be underestimated. The ex
cesses of the majority which condemned Socrates were of
constant concern to Plato. The problems which are the product
of ignorance or uncontrolled desires also were a cornerstone of
his philosophy. Beyond his ideal state, he saw government