Auxiliaries

Definition

Auxiliaries are the class of guardians in Plato's ideal state, responsible for enforcing the laws and protecting the city. They play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring that the philosopher-kings can govern effectively. This class embodies the virtue of courage and is tasked with supporting the rulers while also being educated in philosophy, music, and physical training to fulfill their responsibilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Auxiliaries are trained from a young age to develop physical strength and courage, preparing them for their role as protectors of the state.
2. They must balance their duty to protect the city with their education in philosophy, ensuring they understand the reasons behind the laws they enforce.
3. The auxiliaries are essential for maintaining harmony within the state by preventing conflicts and upholding justice as dictated by the philosopher-kings.
4. Plato emphasizes that auxiliaries should not possess private wealth or property to prevent conflicts of interest that could compromise their duties.
5. Their training involves rigorous education, focusing on music and physical activities to cultivate both mental discipline and physical prowess.

Review Questions

• How do auxiliaries contribute to the functioning of Plato's ideal state?
  • Auxiliaries are vital for maintaining order and stability within Plato's ideal state. They enforce laws and protect citizens from internal and external threats. By being educated in philosophy alongside their physical training, they understand not just their role but also the greater purpose of their actions, which helps ensure that they act in alignment with the ideals set forth by the philosopher-kings.
• Discuss the significance of education for auxiliaries in Plato's vision of an ideal state.
  • Education for auxiliaries is significant because it shapes them into well-rounded individuals capable of executing their duties effectively. Plato believes that they should not only be physically strong but also mentally sharp, which is achieved through a curriculum that includes philosophy, music, and physical training. This holistic approach ensures that auxiliaries understand justice and virtue, allowing them to act wisely when enforcing laws and protecting the city.
• Evaluate how the concept of auxiliaries reflects Plato's views on justice and governance.
  • The concept of auxiliaries embodies Plato's belief that a just society requires individuals to fulfill specific roles based on their nature and abilities. By entrusting auxiliaries with protection duties while philosopher-kings govern, he outlines a model where each class contributes to societal harmony. This reflects his larger idea that justice occurs when everyone performs their designated roles well; thus, auxiliaries represent not only strength but also moral responsibility in preserving justice within the ideal state.

Related terms

Philosopher-Kings: The ruling class in Plato's ideal state, who possess wisdom and knowledge, making them the best suited to govern and make decisions for the benefit of all citizens.

Guardians: A broader term that includes both the auxiliaries and the philosopher-kings, representing those who are entrusted with the responsibility of governance and protection of the state.

Tripartite Soul: Plato's theory that the human soul is divided into three parts: reason, spirit, and appetite, paralleling the three classes in his ideal state (rulers, auxiliaries, and producers).