Abstract

I give an interpretation of the educational system in Plato’s ideal state in The Republic, which is quite different from the presentations given in introductory textbooks used at Norwegian universities. According to the standard interpretation, the platonic educational system is based on some principle of equality of opportunity. This interpretation fits badly with Plato’s text. The division of the society in three different classes is based on the natural qualities of the citizens, and I argue that, when established, this division hardly gives room for social mobility. The producers normally have no access to the primary education, which is a necessary condition for later qualification for leadership. The division between the producers and the guardians is also made quite watertight through eugenic devices.