Why does Plato believe that philosophers would make the best rulers? What men would make poor ruler?
A: Plato believe that philosophers would make the best rulers because, according to Plato, they have knowledge of truth that others do not and only they can make crucial decisions about what is best for the city-state. To Plato, a poor ruler would be the opposite of that.
Sounds good.
If you want to understand Plato's belief more thoroughly, you can refer to his famous work, "The Republic." In this book, Plato sets out to define the ideal state and its ruler, which he refers to as a philosopher-king. According to Plato, philosophers possess the unique ability to grasp the fundamental truths about reality and possess a deeper understanding of justice, virtue, and the nature of the good.
In Plato's view, philosophers are not consumed by material desires or the pursuit of power. They are driven by reason and guided by wisdom and knowledge. As such, they would be best equipped to make objective and rational decisions for the benefit of the city-state. Their dedication to the pursuit of truth and wisdom would enable them to govern with wisdom and justice and ensure the well-being of the society.
On the other hand, Plato believed that individuals who lack wisdom, knowledge, and virtuous qualities would make poor rulers. He criticized those driven by desires for wealth, power, or personal gain, as they may be swayed by their self-interests rather than making decisions based on what is truly best for the city-state as a whole. Plato referred to such individuals as tyrants or rulers driven by their appetites rather than reason.
To summarize, Plato believed that philosophers would make the best rulers due to their possession of wisdom, knowledge, and dedication to the truth. Poor rulers, on the other hand, would be individuals lacking these qualities and driven by selfish desires.