Plato’s Concept of Justice

Plato in his book, The Republic creates a city built in speech. This city was theorized by
Plato to describe the most just city. However, Plato realizes that the concept of a perfectly
just state is too far fetched and takes certain practical considerations to ground this city in
reality. Plato’s city would have three classes: rulers, auxiliaries, and craftsmen. Plato believed
that justice would prevail in this city if everyone stayed in his or her respective classes and
performed a single duty: “one man one art”1 However, he realizes that people could want to
move away from these classes, and this could lead to factions and civil war. To prevent the
hierarchy from crumbling, Plato introduces the concept of the ‘noble lie’ to keep everyone in
their respective classes (Plato 414c). Plato lies to the people and tells them that they are born
into these three classes by virtue of metals found within them (Plato 415a). This assignment
is not random; Plato ascribes this to God’s will (Plato 415a). Thus, by bringing in God’s role,
he makes sure people accept their fate and do not try to question the hierarchy. ’ Plato
realizes that these lies or injustices are necessary for maintaining order and stability in
society.

1
Plato, and Allan Bloom. The Republic of Plato. 2nd ed. N.p.: Basic, 1991. Print. 370b