State, Freedom, Knowledge Cover Image

Država, sloboda, znanje
State, Freedom, Knowledge

Author(s): Aleksandar Nikitović
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Institut za filozofiju i društvenu teoriju
Keywords: state; freedom; knowledge; theory; praxis;

Summary/Abstract: This paper deals with Plato`s problematisation of relation between state, freedom and knowledge in his analysis of different aspects of the model-state. Plato understands the state as a common good, and the purpose of establishing of the state is to compensate insufficiency that is immanent to every individual. Righteousness is present only if in the totality of polis are harmoniously bounded all different and individual abilities. Plato in his subtle analysis points out that for the existence of righteous state it is necessary that the will of the man who is in the class of guardians, is completely bonded with the good, that is, with the knowledge of good. This putting in one conditional structure of knowledge, will and good in the best way shows the absence of understanding that the will of man, because of its freedom of choice, truly is not under totally determinating influence of knowledge and good. Since man is always in the position of freedom of choice, he often makes choices that are opposite to his own knowledge and understanding of good. In the sphere of theory it is possible to give some good examples of interdependence of will, knowledge and good, because usually with the establishment of the believe that some knowledge is true, that sole believe pulls towards our will to stand with that knowledge. Plato understands that this connection could be transferred from the domain of theory to the sphere of praxis, from where comes his thought that the life of polis could be established on participation in the true world of ideas. But, it is right to rise a question is it possible to transfer completely this experience from the sphere of theory to the filed of practical life.

  • Issue Year: 2008
  • Issue No: 37
  • Page Range: 37-59
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Serbian