iculty, we gather together into society forthe mutual achievement of our common goals. If each of us specializes in the practice ofa specific art, we can work more efficiently. To make this ideal city healthy (opposite ofa feverish city), Socrates states that the fundamental needs of human beings in the societyare food, shelter, and clothes. From these fundamental needs, some additionalrequirements emerge that become necessary only because these needs are a part of thedefense of the city against external attacks or internal disputes. Socrates proposed anadditional class of citizens, the guardians which are responsible for guarding the city andkeeping the city in order. In order to fulfill their proper functions, the guardian then musthave a philosophy that gives them the ability to distinguish the true and false, friend andfoes, and to avoid turning against their own kind due to external influences. I thinkSocrates social-political theory does follow his theory of human nature, he believed thatan ideal state, embodying the highest and best capabilities of human social life, couldreally be achieved, if the right people are put in charge. Since the key to the success ofthe whole is the wisdom of the rulers who make decisions for the entire city, Plato heldthat the perfect society would occur only when kings become philosophers orphilosophers are made kings. Guardians would need the virtue of courage to carry outtheir orders in the face of danger without regard for personal risk. The rest of the peoplein the city must follow its leaders instead of pursuing their private interests. Plato heldthat guardians should own no private property, should live and eat together atgovernment expense, and should earn no salary greater than necessary to supply theirmost basic needs. Under this regime, no one will have any corrupt motive for seeking aposition of leadership, and those who are chosen to be guardians will govern solely froma concern to see...
