THE PRACTICALITY OF PLATO'S STATESMAN

This article examines the reasons why Plato endorses obedience to absolute, unchangeable laws, despite the fact that Plato refers to it as only the second best method of rule. Plato's use of the myth, his definition of statesmanship, and the dramatic elements of the dialogue, including its relationship to the Apology, are used to discern why Plato affirms a method of rule so different from that of the Republic. It is argued that Plato's primary concern in the Statesman is practical. Rather than looking for the best constitution, Plato is looking for the best constitution that can actually be put into practice.