First Principles of Social Organization

Organizational Theory

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First Principles of Social Organization

In his principles of social organization, Socrates argues that studying the society on a large scale would be better unlike partitioning it into small bits. He continues to argue that societies are driven by two concepts that of mutual need- people need to rely on one another to attain satisfactory life- and specialization by various people who are able to do certain things with a lot of expertise. In this regard, the society is bound to have natural progress.

In the society, the theory of classism applies in that different people in the society play specific roles ranging from the producers to proletarians. These classes of people contribute a great mile to the advancement of the society, as another group in the society could not have done the roles they perform better. Managers for instance cannot produce corn in the fields, while the corn producers may not in a position to do the paper work in an organization. Alternatively, if the corn producers were not present, it would be futile for the managers being in office. This relates to the need for mutual relationship stated above.

Civilized Society

Socrates argues that every society has the right to earn the privilege of enjoying civilization. This leads to our understanding of the causes of injustice and justice in the society. In our context, we not only look at luxuries of life but a strong army that is able to protect the society and what it has toiled endlessly to achieve. From Socrates argument, it is evident that he advocates for each class playing its role in the society effectively and more specifically soldiers in the pursuit for a civilized society. He contends that it is the ultimate responsibility of the society to ensure that the best men are selected to defend it by all incomes.

Qualities Required in the Guardians

Guardians are responsible for protection of the community from both internal and external assaults. Being the watchdogs of the society their attributes ought to be physical strength, bravery and a high level of philosophical personality. Just like a dog, these guardians should wary at any sight of a stranger, whether of good will or not. Guardians should always be willing to learn new skills that may assist in their conduction of duties easily. Speed is also key for any guardian for the society’s security may put under jeopardy any time; speed is obligatory to counter it.

The Three Classes and Their Mutual Relations

The guardians, rulers and auxiliaries work in conjunction to provide security to the society. While the rulers are concerned with dispensing orders to its subordinates, among them being auxiliaries, the guardians play the role of protecting the society from internal feuds and external attacks. The auxiliaries discharge militarily functions under the guidance of the rulers. All these parties play the role of a defense team to the vulnerable society.

The Rulers’ and Auxiliaries’ Way of Life

The rulers and auxiliaries live a life devoid of luxuries like having a family or owning private property. According to Plato, this is good for the society at large and is the best decision that a society may undertake to protect its people. Plato’s ideologies argue that if the guardians of the society are deprived of these luxuries and privileges, they will have no dedication towards life but to the well being of the society. If guardians are given an opportunity to enjoy life, the security of the state may be at stake, for they may dedicate their lives to personal developments and forget the entire public and their role towards it.

Final Provisions of Unity

Guardians should ensure that the society is maintained in terms of security and ability of its citizens to invest in secure manner. They should also maintain the rate at which the society is advancing to avoid a instance whereby it is too large to manage in terms of provision of services and provision of security. Having undergone military training, it is expected that the guardians perform this role with utmost ease.

The Status of Women

Socrates argues there is no difference between men and women in terms of their intellectual ability. The only difference is that their physical attributes are different. He continues to argue that if women acquire education, they may be in a better position to offer tangible counsel just like men. Women have to undergo training in all aspects- physical, mental in order to acquire the necessary expertise for administration of a ruling. In the case of war, physical training is important for women to take part in it.

If we say that women do not have the capacity to learn just like the men, this would be a mere understatement.

Marriage and the Family

Marriage is the ingredient of development of the society. According to Plato, the ageing populace has to be replaced by a younger generate who shall take over the roles provided by the aforementioned. From marriage, these new beings learn how to relate with others and respect authority. This is the first step towards governing a society it being the smallest political unit in the society. If the best species are allowed to mate then the pedigrees in the society will be good enough to enhance the norms of the society without alterations. They are later incorporated into various sectors in the society under proper guidance, which interprets that rules and regulations are inculcated in the child in the process of upbringing.

The Ideal and the Actual

Most states that exist are simply ideal but not actual. In attempt to different the two, Socrates explains that in order for a state to attain actuality, it has to surpass all the components that add up to a modern state. He likens a man painting a beautiful man to ideal since in actuality; a beautiful man is unrealistic and impractical. A state may have the best intellectuals but if does not lay down clearly rules of action, then the state is bound to fail or simply operate ideally.

The Simile of the Cave

This simile describes that reality is not achievable only through illusions but active participation of making the dream happen. All systems have to be laid in place for the whole society to function. Just as one closes their eyes and the whole, body turns into darkness, the same way if rulers do not incorporate all concepts of an organization.

Conclusion

From Plato’s perception of the State, the most striking aspect that he holds is that all institutions in the society rely on each other for almost everything. If one part is alienated then the other parts are not in a position to function effectively. It is remarkable how he puts across his message to outline this salient feature. He claims that it is from the family that citizens grow and learn the norms of the society. He also brings to picture the correlated functions of the guardians and auxiliaries in the provision of security in the society. Lastly the simile of the cave covers it all by expounding on the impossibility of one part functioning without the other or in short attain actuality.