The Paradigm concerning the Statesman in Plato’s Politicus
Keywords:
Plato’s dialogue, Statesman, PoliticusAbstract
This article aims to reinterpret Plato's Politicus in a manner distinct from previous scholarly interpretations, which have often characterized the dialogue as fragmented, haphazard, or lacking a unified presentation. Such perceptions have led to its diminished significance of Politicus among Plato scholars. This paper seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate by addressing these concerns through its central thesis on the statesman and the paradigm for statesmanship. It posits that Politicus presents an extensive, profound, and complex paradigm of statesmanship, utilizing metaphors and analogies from weaving, herding, and mythological epochs of deities. The paper's first main argument is that statesmanship constitutes a model for those possessing expertise in political governance, aimed at the welfare of the governed, irrespective of the scope or scale of relationships. A statesman, therefore, need not be an individual who wields direct authority but can also be an advisor, counselor, or a community member who accesses and applies such knowledge in their political life. The second argument emphasizes that the requisite knowledge and expertise of a statesman involve the ability to discern and interweave the various components of the political community appropriately and harmoniously. This process should be attuned to changes and practical timing, encompassing the integration of citizens' dispositions, functional groups, and the paradigm of the rule of law.
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