Plato’s concept of Communism is different from the modern Communism.
Plato’s Communism is meant only for the upper classes. The Philosophers and
Soldiers were the upper classes. Their work is the administration of the State.
They are the guardians. The elements of Reason and Spirit are present in them.
Their function is ruling. They have the political power. At the same time, the
workers are engaged in economic activities. Therefore, the workers have economic
power. But, according to Plato, political and economic power should not
concentrate in the same hands. Therefore, the upper classes should not have
economic power. They should not have private property. They cannot have
private families also. They should not have land and houses of their own. They
should live in large halls or barracks. They should live like a community. They
should eat from a common mess. They are fully involved in the administration of
the State. They get a fixed salary. It is just enough to maintain themselves for
an year. So, according to Plato, only workers can have family and private
property. Plato said that the family system and family feeling lead to personal
ambitions10. The ruling class should not have personal ambitions. This is Plato’s
idea of Communism.
(Criticism of Plato’s idea of Communism:)
1. Communism of wives and children is unrealistic and unhealthy. It is
against human nature and social security.
2. Wives and children are given only for the lower working class. It is
against natural law.
3. Marriage is not a mechanical process. It is a social institution. It is very
essential for the existence of the society. It cannot be turned into a
system for making children.
4. Plato’s concept of communism is unholy. It is against the idea of
civilization. To have children without family is against all civilized ideas.
Estimate of Plato
Plato was a revolutionary. His ideas were against the Greek concepts of
democracy and society. His ideas and methods were very different from the
existing ideas of the society. He inspired the later thinkers like Aristotle, Cicero,
Dante etc. His ideas were the first systematic concept about State and society.
His ideas on education were the first in the entire Europe. His ideas about the
rule of the intellectuals gave importance to merit and knowledge. His ideas on
Justice brought the concept of justice into the forefront of the science of politics.
The most pioneering concept was that of the equality of men and women. He
molded the concept of state in such a way that it paved the way towards
nationalism.
So this is all about the Theory of plato on communism
Plato’s Communism is meant only for the upper classes. The Philosophers and
Soldiers were the upper classes. Their work is the administration of the State.
They are the guardians. The elements of Reason and Spirit are present in them.
Their function is ruling. They have the political power. At the same time, the
workers are engaged in economic activities. Therefore, the workers have economic
power. But, according to Plato, political and economic power should not
concentrate in the same hands. Therefore, the upper classes should not have
economic power. They should not have private property. They cannot have
private families also. They should not have land and houses of their own. They
should live in large halls or barracks. They should live like a community. They
should eat from a common mess. They are fully involved in the administration of
the State. They get a fixed salary. It is just enough to maintain themselves for
an year. So, according to Plato, only workers can have family and private
property. Plato said that the family system and family feeling lead to personal
ambitions10. The ruling class should not have personal ambitions. This is Plato’s
idea of Communism.
(Criticism of Plato’s idea of Communism:)
1. Communism of wives and children is unrealistic and unhealthy. It is
against human nature and social security.
2. Wives and children are given only for the lower working class. It is
against natural law.
3. Marriage is not a mechanical process. It is a social institution. It is very
essential for the existence of the society. It cannot be turned into a
system for making children.
4. Plato’s concept of communism is unholy. It is against the idea of
civilization. To have children without family is against all civilized ideas.
Estimate of Plato
Plato was a revolutionary. His ideas were against the Greek concepts of
democracy and society. His ideas and methods were very different from the
existing ideas of the society. He inspired the later thinkers like Aristotle, Cicero,
Dante etc. His ideas were the first systematic concept about State and society.
His ideas on education were the first in the entire Europe. His ideas about the
rule of the intellectuals gave importance to merit and knowledge. His ideas on
Justice brought the concept of justice into the forefront of the science of politics.
The most pioneering concept was that of the equality of men and women. He
molded the concept of state in such a way that it paved the way towards
nationalism.
So this is all about the Theory of plato on communism
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