My Own Utopia

In most s of utopia , there is not the idea of equality that most of us feel would be there . Utopia is after all supposed to be a politically , socially and morally idyllic place but many s of utopia are flawed in at least one of these three characteristics Plato 's Republic is no exception

In the Republic , Plato divides the population into three distinct classes . The lowest class is the Workers . These individuals perform the mundane activities of the state . They provide the state with civil services and food . The next

class is the Fighters . The fighters are made up of soldiers whose job it is to protect the state from external enemies and internal rebellion . The highest and most powerful class is the Rulers . These individuals are known as Philosopher - Kings ' and are chosen for the position based on their virtue . In a state in which class boundaries are so well defined , true utopian equality among the citizens is impossible . There will always be some individuals generally in the lower classes , which will be seen as less worthy and more expendable than those in the higher classes . When this is the case , there is an inherent inequality within the citizens of the state

Besides this objection , Aristotle brings an objection to Plato 's Republic based on property . In the Republic , Plato describes the Philosopher - Kings as having to share all property in common . For the benefit of the state and its protection from corruption , the Rulers must not be allowed to possess private property . If they did , they would be much more susceptible to bribery or an egoism that would blind their virtue and take away their ability to rule effectively . Aristotle though , sees this as a problem . According to him , it is wrong to assume that sharing all property in common would cause no problems . If all people had to work , and some worked harder than others , then those that worked hardest would begin to wonder why they should not reap more of a benefit . They would question why they too should not be lazy if no matter how hard they work , in the end they receive the same

Although Aristotle 's objection makes sense in a certain regard , it is based on an idea of an attainable utopia with all the modern amenities However , for a utopia to truly succeed , it would have to be without many of the material objects that we have grown accustom to

There has already existed a utopia in many parts of the world . This utopia lasted for millions of years before it was eventually destroyed giving way to what we have today . In this utopia , men and women were equal , no one had to work beyond providing basic necessities , as there was no need for such materialistic possessions as televisions , iPod 's and perfumes . Of course it was not perfect , which , given the s of most utopias , it does not have to be . There was death sickness and disease , but...