The Open Societies and its Enemies

THE OPEN SOCIETIES AND ITS ENEMIES
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The Open Societies and Its Enemies
Karl Popper is the publisher of the book “The Open Societies and Its Enemies.” The book became an essential element in the 1960s, and Poppers became a sensation to the new generation of students. Research illustrates that most theorists did not agree with Popper’s ideologies regarding civilization. Popper fiercely critiqued the work of Karl Marx, Plato, and Hegel to the extent that people assumed that it was “an assault of totalitarian thought.” Scholars and other rivals denounced most of his ideas, but Popper proceeded to publish two volumes of his book. The Spell of Plato was a critic of the ideas presented by the philosopher regarding politics. Popper, as a young mind, was a Marxist, and this decision influenced most of his thoughts. Karl’s ‘flirtation’ with the Marxist’s ideas led Popper to avoid people who believed in chaotic revolution. The sacrifice of human life was supposed to be the last resort, and the thought exercised with a lot of prudence. The book was a realization by the author on the importance of human life. Popper’s books were a simple record of his “intellectual journey” as he shared them with the world. Popper blamed Plato for totalitarianism in the 20th Century, stating that he led dreams of “idealism” which brought into existence dictators such as Adolf Hitler. Karl’s ideas conflicted with those of Plato because he once was an ardent follower of Marxism.[Hacohen, Malachi, and Karl Milford. “Karl Popper: The Formative Years, 1902–1945; Politics and Philosophy in Interwar Vienna.” In History of Philosophy of Science, pp. 399-404. Springer, Dordrecht, 2002.]
As a citizen of the former Soviet Union, I must admit that Plato was one of the greatest philosophers in history. Analyzing his ideas on political affairs is one of the substantial parts of philosophy because no one managed to expound them thoroughly. I decided to investigate the political views of Plato, and the results were exemplary. Plato’s idea was a critique of Socrates. In Plato’s country, Socrates is seen to be against democracy and prefers aristocracy, whereby Kings and rulers govern people. Most of his ideas were totalitarian. According to Plato, politicians only achieved when the common good of every person is into consideration. Civil conflicts and frequent wars characterize existent injustice. Plato argued that democracy was precarious since it has links to excessive freedom. According to the philosopher, a system where every person has the right to rule has relations to selfish people who mostly do not care about human rights. Personal desires drive these people, and their main aim is the acquisition of power. Plato had experienced the execution of his teacher Socrates from resisting the governance in Athens. The theorist’s main attempt was to create an environment where every person knew their responsibilities. Such an atmosphere would help make the expectations of society evident. For that reason, Plato opposed the democratic idea because it enhanced minority leaders to acquire power.[Okenfuss, Max J. “Russia’s Plato: Plato and the Platonic Tradition in Russian Education, Science and Ideology (1840-1930). By Frances Nethercott. Burlington, Vt.: Ashgate, 2000. xii, 233 pp. Notes. Bibliography. Index. $79.95, hard bound.” Slavic Review 61, no. 2 (2002): 430-431.] [Gilje, Nils, and Gunnar Skirbekk. A history of Western thought: from Ancient Greece to the twentieth century. Routledge, 2017.]
Moreover, Plato asserts that democracy is a means to an end for tyranny, mutiny, and dictatorship. His idea coincides with the current society because most nations consist of unskilled leaders. The voters have selected these leaders based on popularity instead of skill and morals. Democracy results in skilled people never having the opportunity to come to power. Plato had his idea of an “Ideal society,” and it comprised of three classes of people, namely soldiers, workers, and philosopher kings or guardians. The workers/laborers were associated with the provision of services and goods to the community while soldiers protected the communities from invaders while maintaining order. Finally, the guardians were considered the most intelligent and rat...