Plato

Introduction

The ancient Greek philosopher Plato is an important figure in all aspects of philosophy, including political philosophy. His dialogues have greatly impacted American politics and political viewpoints in general. His influence in political theory, philosophy, and government is why Plato is important to civics.

Practical Politics

Plato grew up in Athens during the Peloponnesian War. The Athenian democracy was replaced by the 30 tyrants, an oligarchy imposed by the victorious Spartans. He waited until the Tyrants lost power and pursued politics under the democracy being restored in Athens. Plato was in practical politics until his mentor was sentenced to death. He picked it back up many years later to influence a European monarch. The monarch Plato was trying to influence was Dionysius II of Syracuse, the one considered the most powerful. Plato wanted to create a blend of monarchy and democracy to be used by the monarch. Though he did not succeed in convincing the monarch, his efforts created documents that later governments would look to (Oxford University Press & Waterfield, 2023).

Plato’s Influence

Illustration and Map of Plato's Academy

Political Disagreements

There were many things the founding fathers disliked about Plato’s political portrayals. The model used to start our country was quite the opposite of what was portrayed in the Republic. The revolution was fought because the people did not want something like the government in that dialog. They did not like his portrayals of a government being ruled by elite philosopher kings. It was expressed that they wanted individual freedoms and protection of what belongs to the people. America has never wanted a government with heavy censorship, a lack of things for the people, and communism. Since the beginning America has been a country of the people for the people. That does not mean that the founding fathers did not agree with anything Plato preached though (Spindler, 2024).

Approved by the Founding Fathers

Plato had many great ideas that were embraced by the government. Our founding fathers agreed with the idea that education is needed in order to have a stable government. The ability for everyone to get education was a principle that Plato stressed in his political theory that was implemented in America. It is agreed that education is the basis of any republic. Plato was even cited in John Adams’ list of political theorists supporting republics. There are other things from Plato that were big parts of the process of making principles in America. One of which being the fact that 18th century republican America had the elitism that Plato portrayed. This is most likely a factor in the creation of the electoral college. And just as the electoral college is still used, the government still goes by principles that Plato and the founding fathers saw as important. A good society needs wisdom and freedom as well as justice and equality to thrive (Spindler, 2024). 

Singnificance

In conclusion, Plato’s dialogues are very impactful in many ways. His works and the work of those he has taught have made major contributions to political theory, philosophy, and government. These effects include, but are not limited to, the effect on republic forms of government, the effect on people seeking knowledge, and the effect his works have on governments. Plato inspired many of the ideas current governments work with whether or not they viewed them as positive. Plato’s Republic is where the idea for a republic system came from. Without his work there would not be a republican system. Countries, like America, with democratic republics would not have the same form of government without Plato. The beliefs he formed throughout his life and shared are still affecting people today. From general ideas to government structure, his views are ingrained in many parts of life and that is why Plato is important, not just to learn about, but to Civics.

References

Korab-Karpowicz, M. J. (n.d.). Plato: Political Philosophy. Internet encyclopedia of philosophy. https://iep.utm.edu/platopol/

Mark, J. J. (2023, April 05). Plato's Lie In The Soul. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/210/platos-lie-in-the-soul/ 

Meinwald, C.C. (2025, April 22). Plato. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Plato 

Oxford University Press, & Waterfield, R. (2023, May 30). Life of Plato of Athens. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2241/life-of-plato-of-athens/

Spindler, G. (2024, March 8). Plato’s legacy in eighteenth-century western politics. Starting Points. https://startingpointsjournal.com/platos-legacy-in-eighteenth-century-western-politics-and-america/