Dialectics of Essential Virtues in Plato’s Good State: An Analysis

Biereenu-Nnabugwu, M. N. and P. C. Uchendu (2014) “Dialectics of Essential Virtues in Plato’s Good State: An Analysis” in NAJOPS Nnamdi Azikiwe Journal of Political Science A journal of the Department of Political Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Vol. 4. No. 2. August. Pp. 155-177

18 Pages Posted: 8 Oct 2015

See all articles by Makodi Biereenu-Nnabugwu

Makodi Biereenu-Nnabugwu

Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Patrick Uchendu

University of Port Harcourt - Department of Political Science and Administrative Studies

Date Written: August 7, 2014

Abstract

Systematic investigations into the nature of and interface between the human person, the state and questions of relevant virtues and goals thereof; particularly in Western normative political thought, are oftentimes associated with three notable Greek political thinkers: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Of the trio, Plato’s treatise provides unique and interfacial profile. Besides the credit for documenting largely the thoughts of Socrates; the corpus of Aristotle’s views appear to revolve largely on the body of knowledge canvassed or worked upon by Plato. This paper explores the personae and social context of Plato, his essential virtues and the essence of good state in the cosmology of Plato’s political thought. Our findings reveal that despite obvious shortcomings, particularly in his allegorical frames, a handful of the issues harped upon and views canvassed by Plato, over two thousand years ago, are by and large, still relevant in contemporary statecraft.

Keywords: Plato, virtue, justice, knowledge, ideal state, statecraft

Suggested Citation

Biereenu-Nnabugwu, Makodi and Uchendu, Patrick, Dialectics of Essential Virtues in Plato’s Good State: An Analysis (August 7, 2014). Biereenu-Nnabugwu, M. N. and P. C. Uchendu (2014) “Dialectics of Essential Virtues in Plato’s Good State: An Analysis” in NAJOPS Nnamdi Azikiwe Journal of Political Science A journal of the Department of Political Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Vol. 4. No. 2. August. Pp. 155-177, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2670506

Makodi Biereenu-Nnabugwu (Contact Author)

Nnamdi Azikiwe University ( email )

Political Science Department
Awka, +234
Nigeria

Patrick Uchendu

University of Port Harcourt - Department of Political Science and Administrative Studies ( email )

Convocation Arena Rd
Port Harcourt, 500072
Nigeria

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