Abstract

The main question put in the article is: what is the role of the imaginary model city constructed by Socrates, Glaucon, and Adeimantus in the whole narrative of the Republic? In order to answer to this question, I set the Kallipolis against the background of the four stages of the development of political life which can be distinguished in the dialogue: 1) The “true and healthy city” . Although it possesses justice defined by Socrates as fulfilment one’s natural capacities, it must be given up by Glaucon’s erotic-philosophical desire. 2) The “sick city”. It is the answer to the Glaucon’s desire. Here there emerges a new perfect class of men: the warriors and guardians who are able to meet the new challenges. It seems that while the city suffers from an illness from desire, excellence and spiritedness of an individual can rise. 3) The “paradygmatic Kallipolis” . It is the answer to the condition of ill society undermined by an unsatisfied feeling and living in dread of enemies. Because this answer takes the form of a model construct, the phase of creating political utopias shows itself as the next link in the development of political consciousness of those who live outside this construct and who while creating it gradually get to know what political art requires. The perfect Kallipolis had been created before Socrates shown its young designers who philosopher is. 4) The fall of a city . The description of it constitutes a political lesson destined for a future philosopher. Since it is given after the establishing the Kallipolis, it is an afterthought. From this perspective, the Kallipolis, established without the knowledge of what goodness is, turns out to be the same eidolon as Homeric reality criticized by Socrates. The organization of the Kallipolis is not an ready briefing for the future politicians. Quite the opposite, establishing of it initiates the right consideration about the nature of political life. It requires to rethink the value of the Kallipolis from the point of view of philosophical consciousness of fragility of every political order.Key words PLATO, POLITICS, REPUBLIC