INFLUENCE OF PLATO ON MODERN POLITICAL THINKERS: MATTERS ARISING

This paper explores the influence of Plato on modern political thinkers such as Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau and Rawls. Key aspects of Plato’s philosophy, such as his concept of ideal society, the importance of wisdom in governance and his views on justice and democracy were examined, highlighting the relevance of Plato’s ideal in shaping contemporary political discourse. Through a comprehensive analysis of Plato’s enduring legacy, emphasis is highly placed on the importance of knowledge and enlightenment in both the individuals and society. Throughout this dialogue, Plato’s guiding principle is that the good society is a harmonious union of different social elements that represent two key values: wisdom and freedom. No serious modern political thinker could overlook that as exemplified in the likes of John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Rawls. Keywords: Ideal society, Democracy, Justice, Plato’s philosophy and Political thinkers