Platonian Republic
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Platonian Republic | |
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[[File:{{{image1}}}|125px|border|Flag of Platonian Republic]]
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| Official languages | English, Latin, Greek |
| Demonym(s) | Platonian |
| Government | Platonian Ideal State |
| Establishment | 2013 |
The Platonian Republic is a sovereign state founded according to principles of Platonian philosophy chiefly as set out in Plato's Republic. As such, the Republic is ruled by a Philosopher King, who governs all and is closest to the Forms.
Etymology
"Platonian" comes from the founder's dislike of the adjective "Platonic" for that which relates to Plato. The shortening of the A and the O in "Platonic" destroys resemblance to the noun form, while the long A and O of "Platonian" preserves such resemblance.
History
The founder studied Republic and was captivated by Plato's political ideas. In May 2013, he founded the Platonian Republic and declared himself Philosopher King, all with the intention of bringing about Plato's ideal state, with a few modifications.
Government
Although termed "Republic", it is not in the modern sense of a democratic republic. It is in the original sense, in which select members of the people, based on wisdom and philosophical merit, are chosen to rule the masses. These are not elected as in a democratic republic, but are selected by the Philosopher King, who rules by consent of the people.
Philosopher King
The Republic is ruled by a Philosopher King (also called "The Philosopher" or simply "The King"), who is close to the forms and cares for the good of all. The King lives an intellectual life of philosophy, literature, music, art, and law, for as Plato says, "The unexamined life is not worth living for a human being" (Apology 38a).[1]
The Philosopher is empowered to issued decrees regarding the organizational structure of the Republic, as he best deems fit after philosophical contemplation.[2]
Secretariats
The Philosopher King instituted Secretariats to oversee certain areas of government responsibility. Each Secretariat is presided over by a Philosopher Prince, who has the title "Secretary of (AREA OF OVERSIGHT)".
Administration by Philosopher Princes
Since the Philosopher King cannot devote all his time to public service, he must employ assistants to manages certain subject areas of the Republic.
Secretariat of the Liberal Arts
The Secretariat of the Liberal Arts regulates the legal selection of music, literature, theatre, and even philosophy, in order to guard the souls of the citizens. According to Platonian philosophy, music especially, along with emotions which the arts conjure up, can have a penetrating effect on the soul, and thusly should be used for good and only diligently allowed.
Originally called the "Secretariat of the Arts", "Liberal" was added when the Secretariat of Servile Arts was founded on 31 May 2013.
Secretariat of the Servile Arts
Founded 31 May 2013[3], the Secretariat of the Servile Arts handles the everyday practical affairs of citizens, including driving, labor/unemployment, and construction[4].
The servile arts are those practical things such as work and eating which are necessary for the sustenance of bodily life but do not, in any direct way, sustain the life of the mind or aid intellectual advancement[5]. The Secretariat of the Servile Arts of Platonia has said, “until we are united with the Forms, we must engage in such arts, but one day we will be free to be in perfect union with the Forms.”
Foreign relations
The Platonian Republic currently does not have any relations with foreign entities.
Military
In accordance with Platonian philosophy, certain strong members of society are appointed guardians to protect the other citizens of Platonia. However, recourse to war as a normal means of foreign policy is prohibited by the Treaty of Universal Peace 2011 of which Platonia is a signatory as of 31 May 2013.
Law
The constitution, as it were, of the Republic is the political philosophy of Plato as transmitted through Republic. Currently, there is no law code.
Culture
As the very basis for the state, Philosophy and the life of the mind are highly treasured in the Republic. The Philosopher King regulates the arts very closely, so as to preserve the integrity of the souls of the citizens. This, however, is done for strictly philosophical reasons without any political or totalitarian motivations.