What is Ideal Concept of a human according to Plato in The Republic?

Question

After reading Plato's republic I assumed Plato, (as an author [ not socrates character]), is trying to tell the reader that his ideal concept of a person is one that is aware of his human needs, yet does not happen to indulge in them all the time, but only when its a good time I suppose. However, this thesis kinda seems to be a review of the character Socrates in the book.


So my question to you is, what is the actual Ideal concept of a human being presented from Plato's point of view as an author of the republic, and not from socrates character.

Answer 1

I don't think you can separate the two, Plato and Socrates that is.  Plato believed that Socrates was the wisest and noblest of his contemporaries.  So the best answer I can give you is this: Plato believed that a person led by reason, supported by the spirit, and fed by the appetite was ideal.  Anything else would be led to ruin.  This was the perfect balance of the three parts of the soul.  If the spirit ruled the body a person would be too brash, and if led by the appetite they would overindulge themselves.  Each part of the soul must do their specific job (spirit gives courage and appetite sustains life) led by the rational part of the soul.