ch child an equal and identical base education.In addition to using education as a method of molding the warrior class, Socrates wishes it to be a means by which men and womens positions and levels in society are equalized. [. . .] If we use the women for the same things as the men, they must also be taught the same things [. . .] Now, we gave the men music and poetry and physical training [. . .] Then we must give these two crafts, as well as those having to do with warfare, to the women also to use in the same way as the men use them (451e, 452a). Because Socrates believes that nature is defined by capacities, men and women arent to be separated biologically but rather by their capabilities as members of the working and warrior classes. To ensure that each man and womens capacities are truly recognized they must be educated in the same fashion so as not to create an intelligence and job potential rift between the sexes. In this way education has brought men and women to an equal playing field, despite their apparent biological differences.A third goal of Socrates education policy is to create fair and just rulers, who extend themselves solely for the good of the city and not for personal gain. Socrates is convinced that because philosophers are the only people who do not wish to rule (they have better things to do with their time), they are best suited for the job. Their lack of ambition in regards to personal power allows them to govern in a way that is beneficial to the city, not themselves. As youths and children, they should put their minds to youthful education and philosophy and take care of their bodies at a time when they are growing into manhood, so as to acquire a helper for philosophy (498b). This education is necessary in order to produce a ruler who by consorting with what is ordered and divine [. . .] becomes as divine and ordered as a human being can(500c).It is clearly presented throughout all of Platos Republic, tha...
