The status of non-citizens : equivalence between platonic and contemporary citizenship

Abstract

This paper will discuss approaching the ideal of becoming a good citizen from the perspective of transforming a non-citizen (understood in its modern context) into a good citizen (understood in its Platonic sense ). In short, this is to be obtained through philosophic education, or through the realisation of the Platonic virtues, and through the actualisation of justice, in both individual and societal dimensions, as related to nature. For the purposes of this paper, this later aspect concerning the cosmos, its structuring, and its divisions will receive less attention; whereas the comparative relation between the functioning of the human body and the functioning of the polis will be emphasised, as expressed in the Gorgias. This is done to indicate the relation between citizens and the state, in terms of the principles of truth, and virtues, good leadership and good citizenship, or on how to be a good member of society.