Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Of Plato and his concept of Utopia
Plato's plan for his utopia is all about limits, discipline, and hierarchy. Society will be stratified in a caste system and individualism will be suppressed. His utopia also suggests the concept of excellence of function: “do and focus only on your little role in the society well, and you have done what is best.”
One of the central questions of Plato’s The Republic is “Who should rule?” Plato's answer is himself, as the “Philosopher King” – the “best and wisest” of the utopia’s citizens. For me, I would say this “Philosopher King” resembles what people would call now, a dictator. He would, more or less, rule through deceit, force and steadfast resolve to check any change or innovation in society. He will be worshiped as if a demi-god, and future leaders will be his duplicate.
Personally, I do not think I can stand living such Plato’s way. Plato’s utopia suggests that he governs every tweak, every move in the society, as though his people are but mere puppets, and Plato, the oh-so-wise puppeteer. To be his puppets means blind obedience to the Philosopher King; hence, limiting each individual’s capabilities to what puny little job Plato assigns you to do only. In addition, there would be no “real” persons essentially, in this kind of society. Every person would be no different as the other – predictable, and have absolutely no idea of who he/she really is or what he/she is capable of doing – for even the very emotions that make humans humans are not spared from the Philosopher King’s control.
I have always valued individualism. I cannot let myself just succumb to whatever command somebody imposes on me. Perfect or happy everybody in Plato’s utopia may seem to be, I still prefer living in the world we are in today. Sure, our world could be peaceful today and could turn out very chaotic the next minute, but just the thought of what new things could happen tomorrow; the thrill of spontaneity of everything cannot compare to the utopia’s predictable routines every single day. Besides, if we put our minds into it, we humans can always make this world into a better place through choices benevolent to fellow humans, and not necessarily through a creation of Plato’s utopia only. And most important of all, however diverse we all are here, each individual is capable of knowing what it is like to be “real” – to know oneself, to know what one can do, and finally, to know how to express oneself.
Indeed, I am thankful I have two things people in Plato’s “pleasantville” can never have – that is, freedom, and the experience of being real.
.Seeking within
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Vincent
/vin'-sent/
a.k.a. 'jv', 'jvh', 'vince', 'beans'
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n. 1. known for wearing a smile almost too often (not that he smiles for no reason at all! :P)
2. seems shy, but don't bet on it, see also FRIENDS
3. cares a lot for friends and family; can be very loyal
4. likes music a lot; a frustrated singer(?)
5. doesn't like people who pretends to be someone they aren't; and people taking advantage of someone's kindness
6. can't tell what number 6 is, see also Friendster account testimonials (you must have an account here to view)
- - Lyrics to live by - -
sailing takes me away to where i always heard it could be;
just a wind and a dream to carry me, soon i will be free..
- - x*x - -
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