THE REPUBLIC OF PLATO - Studyplace

INTRODUcnON
xxv
'At last I perceived that the constitution of all existing states is bad
and their institutions all but past remedy without a combination of radical
measures and fortunate circumstance; and I was driven to affirm, in
praise of true philosophy, that only from the standpoint of such philosophy
was it possible to take a correct view of public and private
right, and that accordingly the human race would never see the end of
trouble until true lovers of wisdom should come to hold political power,
or the holders of political power should, by some divine appointment,
become true lovers of wisdom.
'It was in this mind that I first went to Sicily and Italy.'
So, towards his fortieth year, Plato arrived at the paradox which
was to be explained and defended in the central part of the
Republic. The bitter tone of the Gorgias suggests that he then saw
no way of carrying this theoretical solution into practice. The path
to power in democratic Athens was definitely closed. But the first
visit to the court of Dionysius I at Syracuse opened up the prospect
of intervening, directly or indirectly, in the affairs of a state under
a different type of constitution, which might conceivably be reformed
from above. If the multitude can hardly be won over to
Socratic principles, the conversion of a despot, in full control of a
city-state, might lead to a reformation remotely comparable to
Calvin's theocracy at Geneva. Socrates alludes to this prospect
where he says (Rep. 502 A, p. 210) :
'No one will dispute that kings and hereditary rulers might have sons
with a philosophic nature, and these might conceivably escape corruption.
. . . One would be enough to effect all this reform that now
seems so incredible, if he had subjects disposed to obey; for it is surely
not impossible that they should consent to carry out our laws and customs
when laid down by a ruler.'
Dionysius I was a self-made and entirely unscrupulous despot,
who, after coming to terms with the Carthaginian invaders of
Sicily, .had established his personal rule at Syracuse, enslaved or
devastated the neighbouring Greek cities, and was now trying to
add lower Italy to his dominions. His career has probably contributed
several traits to the portrait of the despot in chapter xxxii.
In the seventh Letter Plato says nothing of his intercourse with