The argument for including philosophy in government is timeless. It is one of the original philosophical arguments, made by one of the original western philosophers.
In Plato’s Republic, there is a debate over which government regime is the most ideal, both for the state and its citizens. At the bottom of the list is tyranny, a regime based on one person’s most basic desires and wildest passions. The tyrant is consumed by lust, with no discipline or self-control.
Surprisingly, next is democracy. In his taxonomy of governmental systems, it appears behind only tyranny. Like the tyrant, leaders in a democracy are guided by passion, but are also highly trained in rhetoric. According to Plato, democratic elections are typically decided by fools.
The following two regimes are oligarchy and timocracy. More than simple basic desires guide the leaders here. An oligarchical government is when the wealthy and land owners are in control, therefore financial gain is central. This is not ideal, but is more advantageous to the state than a system ruled by just idiosyncratic desire.
Likewise, the success of the state is central to timocracy. This is the rule of the military (think Sparta) and, according to Plato, the second best government regime. Safety and security for the state, and thus its citizens, are paramount.
This brings us to the final, and what Plato deems best, form of government, aristocracy. Notably, Plato is not defining an aristocracy as wealthy elites as it is commonly referred to today. Instead, he is talking about ‘philosopher kings’ and ‘philosophy queens.’
Philosopher Kings and Queens in Antiquity
There are no campaigns, fundraising or pollsters to get elected to rule as a philosopher king or queen in Plato’s aristocracy. It is not a role that requires conquering. Instead, you’re trained from birth for the position.
Those on their way to becoming philosopher kings and queens are not raised by a mother and father and the usual family dynamic. They are raised communally and consider everyone as a guardian. This way, they are not attached to a private household with particular interests.
Furthermore, they must undergo rigorous moral and intellectual training, learning of Virtue, Leadership, Beauty and Good. Philosophy kings and queens have no interest in political power or feelings of greed and desire, and this is exactly why Plato argues they are the ones best suited to rule.
The training is complete when “political power and philosophy coincide.” Only then can the state separate from evil and ensure public and individual happiness.
Philosophy Kings and Queens in the 21st Century
Plato’s literal idea of philosophy kings and queens may have always been unrealistic, but it is not a useless theory. We’re talking about identifying people who have similar attributes to philosophy kings and queens who could be a catalyst for good governing, such as the calmness in the face of chaos constantly displayed by Dr. Martin Luthur King, or the excellent communication skills of President Obama.
Sure enough, professional philosophers also fit the bill. They are trained to think and look beyond just their point of view, as all philosophical pieces of writing must have clearly articulated objections to the central thesis. Assuming some authority, a philosophically informed government would stand up to perilous politics.
Further, philosophy hinges on being deeper and more substantive than rhetoric. It is precisely how Plato and his contemporaries defined the subject. Thus, any governmental policy or regulation that a philosopher plays a part in will be more than just clever words. It will be thoroughly thought out and discussed.
If philosophy was taught from a young age, like mathematics or grammar, all politicians would have some foundation in the subject and its values and processes. Until that point, professional philosophers should have a seat at the table.
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