Let’s return to the imaginary scenario at the beginning of the resource that divided students into three high schools. Obviously, Plato would have favored such an approach to advance the best and brightest to leadership positions. Imagine you hold the deciding vote on whether to approve or disapprove this new educational policy. Would you pass it or reject it?

Use the PROS and CONS list below to write your opinion using your notes. Be sure to include at least two phrases from the list to support your argument.

How will you vote?

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PASS IT

This educational system will make schools more focused and relevant because they will train students for real jobs in society. The students who really care about education will be able to learn together and encourage one another. This will create a constant leadership pool that will support the needs of our society. Those who don’t value education won’t have to waste their time learning “needless” information and possibly drag down those who do care.

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REJECT IT

This educational system will only divide society further into the classes. At the bottom of this pyramid will be the general population with only an eighth grade education. A mass population with only a little education is a dangerous society. A tyrant or dictator can easily take advantage of a population that is ill-informed. How can this benefit our society?

Now that you have had the opportunity to learn about Plato's ideal form of government and examine an imaginary example of Plato's society, it is time for you to pull it all together.

In your notes:

1. Summarize Plato's argument about the ideal form of government.
2. Explain whether you agree or disagree; cite three reasons for your opinion.