Q.19. What are the three classes of men and their respective functions as stated by Plato in his Republic ? [M.U. 20013]
Ans. The three classes of men and their respective functions as stated by Plato in his Republic are as follows:
An individual has three parts - reason, spirit and appetite. The state also has a ruling class which is the rational part possessing knowledge and wisdom. In fact they are the intellectuals or the philosophic men of ideals. Their ruling passion is love of truth and their virtue is wisdom. They are the rulers. They do the work of administration.
Then there is the element of spirit and courage which is the military class in the state. Their business is nothing but to wage war with enemy and to protect their own country. It is they who maintain law and order in the country. Then comes the appetitive element comprising of not only the craftsmen and farmers but also mrchants all those who carry on the economic acivities of the communities.