Contrasting modern education with the platonic ideal, to derive the modern society In the seventh book of The Republic, Plato outlines his thought on the education system needed to develop the leaders of his perfect society. The current educational system in the United States was designed and is implemented, not to prepare philosopher kings, but rather to prepare people for positions throughout society. If one was to compare the education of modern well-educated people with the education of an idealized philosopher king would have received in Platos society, perhaps it is possible to derive the position of modern society within Platos hierarchy. Finally it is at least possible to analyze Platos conclusions about society through using examples in more recent history.With the exception of todays political leaders, several groups influence not only the politicians, but society itself. Industry and manufacturing attempt to control society for profit. Religion is a factor that Plato neither had belief in nor used in this logic, but still influences society by trying to set morals. Finally, the last group is a culmination of independent organizations and activists, composed of zealous individuals that usually want to press some ideal into society, then take enough power to enforce their ideals.Business uses people who can learn what society wants and can also manipulate those wants and trends. This is in order to both tailor their products to society, and to close the gap in the other direction by convincing people that their product is what they want. Business people, learn tools to accomplish these goals. (in progress)...
