Plato’s View of Education

According to Plato (427-347 BC), the human soul consists of three parts, namely, the “appetitive part,” the “spirited part,” and the “rational part.” The virtue required in the appetitive part is temperance; the virtue required in the spirited part is courage; and the virtue required in the rational part is wisdom. The virtue that manifests itself when these three virtues are harmonized is justice. There are three social classes in the nation corresponding to these three parts of the soul.

The mass of citizens, including farmers, artisans, and tradesmen who form the lower class, correspond to the appetitive part of the soul. Public officials (guardians) form the middle class, corresponding to the spirited part of the soul. Finally, rulers form the upper class, corresponding to the rational part of the soul.

When those capable men who have gained knowledge of the “Idea of the Good” rule the nation, an ideal nation is realized. For Plato, the purpose of education is to bring people closer to the world of Ideas. Specifically, this aims at the education of the “philosopher-king” who is the educated ruler. Plato’s image of an ideal person was that of “one who loves wisdom” (a philosopher) and that of “one who is harmonized,” namely, a person whose mind and body are harmonized, possessing the four virtues of wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. The ultimate purpose of education would be to realize an ideal nation, where the Idea of the Good is embodied.