Alia Alam 101410111 Assignment 1 Introduction to Political Science A short analysis of Utopian Theory Ideologies govern life and

give meaning to rationalization of thoughts. Nearly all political ideologies find their basis in Greek philosophy. One such idea that still begets a lot of attention and has become a part of common vocabulary outside political spheres is Utopianism the perfect society ideal. But just how far has this theory been achieved if ever? The essay will analyze its meaning and implementation in reality. According to Plato's The Republic (360 B.C), utopia is a society ruled by a philosopher-king who has undergone rigorous learning since infancy to produce a just and able rule over the people. The society is divided into classes according to the Noble Lie a myth that God has put gold, silver and iron in each person's soul which determines a person's social and economic standing in the society. Plato was of the understanding that a falsehood could be noble if it helps to keep a society from rebellion and lawlessness. If the noble lie is believed by the people, they would perform optimally within their classes and thus, benefit the whole society. Plato did not consider all people wise enough to make choices for themselves and thus, a philosopher-king was needed. Therefore, people are subservient to the philosopherking's laws and orders. To assess the theory in practicality, it is hard to assume that such a theory would be accepted by all members of the society through all times. Human nature is not without flaws and thus, the struggle against undesirable characteristics in a society will always be prevalent. Ironically, even the noble lie is acknowledged by Socrates to be a falsehood which should therefore logically be an unwanted trait1. Perhaps in this day and age, it would be called a propaganda technique employed to sway people's minds. Utopianism is based on the ideal of a perfect society but who defines what maybe purported as perfect? Does total submission to a philosopher-king make way to set the
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" How then could we devise one of those useful falsehoods we were talking about a while ago, one noble falsehood that would, in the best case, persuade even the rulers, but if thats not possible, then the others in the city? (414b-c - The Republic.)

Alia Alam 101410111 Assignment 1 Introduction to Political Science stage for a perfect society? Or would it be defined as totalitarian rule in this era? Does an absence of freedom of choice make a good base for an ideal community? These questions bring a realization that utopia cannot prove to exist in the form that Plato has described. If democracy and freedom of thinking were to be applied in a society in its truest sense, perhaps it could create a form of utopia a harmonious society. Giving leeway to the fact that unnecessary traits are innate in human nature, law established to combat it would provide with the justice and collective benefit that Plato discusses about. Democratic processes would also help in maintaining harmony as the views of all members of the society would be heard. In a democracy, the elected leader is not seen as flawless and if the leader were to turn into a tyrant, the leader loses the legitimacy to govern and would be forced to forfeit authority. To conclude, Utopia described in The Republic cannot be implemented in reality but creating an ideal society through democracy a utopia - can be a viable option for all times.

Alia Alam 101410111 Assignment 1 Introduction to Political Science References Shively, P. W. 'Power and Choice: An Introduction to Political Science.' Baldwin, R. Plato's "Noble Lie". Last retrieved: October 12, 2011. http://socsci.gulfcoast.edu/rbaldwin/NobleLie.htm Harp, J. 'What is a Noble Lie?' Last retrieved: October 12, 2011. http://kenyonreview.org/blog/?p=333