ASSESSMENT OF PLATO’S CONCEPT OF JUSTICE: A PARADIGM FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper assesses platonic concept of justice which is very vital in today’s discourse, be it in the economic, social, spiritual and all spheres of life. It is so centralized in virtually all human endeavours with unarguable existential relevance. It has from time immemorial attracted the attentions of great thinkers, one of whose idea of the concept “Justice” shall be the centre of our discussion. At the heart of discussion is the perspective of appropriate designation of individuals in the state. The writers argue that, justice consists in giving everyone his due and is achieved in a state when every citizen is assigned according to his profession. The writers further contend that a state where expertise and meritocracy will be the yardstick of appointment, it is only then can be said to have justice in the state. The paper concludes that each class should perform its function efficiently and adequately, without any interference to one another. The paper adds weight in advocating for all strata of the society, the government and the citizens, the rulers and the ruled, peoples of all professions, creeds, walks of life and all men and women of goodwill should play their unique but indispensable roles for the collective good of the society for national development.