ASPEKTI TOTALITARIZMA U PLATONOVOJ IDEJI DRŽAVE/ASPECTS OF TOTALITARIANISM IN PLATO'S IDEA OF THE STATE

Abstract

This paper aims to examine whether elements of modern totalitarianism can be found in Plato’s philosophical thought, particularly in his political program, by primarily analyzing the established order within the state, various forms of governance, and finally, the interpretations of Popper and Taylor, who closely approach the problem of totalitarianism based on these aspects. Following the main objective of the text, we begin by defining the class structure, which is established according to the tasks individuals perform, aligned with the nature of their souls. These classes emerge with the growth of the state, which seeks to remain good, healthy, and unified. Next, we analyze the elements present in the transition between five forms of government, arising as a consequence of disorder among the classes. The disrupted order leads to class struggles and economic inequalities that cause poverty and dissatisfaction. Plato’s described transition starts from aristocracy to timocracy, then from timocracy to oligarchy, from oligarchy to democracy, and ultimately from democracy to tyranny. Finally, in the concluding part of the paper, we follow Popper’s view of Plato’s state and its construction, where in he identifies elements of modern totalitarianism. By focusing on justice and wisdom, we illustrate the foundation upon which Popper’s stance on extreme totalitarianism in Plato’s state is based. Popper’s critical perspective is accompanied by Taylor’s interpretation, which explains the existence of different types of totalitarianism and raises the question of which type is relevant when examining the state Plato constructs. This approach allows us to approach the characteristics, goals, and ideologies that totalitarianism may encompass.