Principle of Specialization
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Principle of Specialization:
A Positive Review of a Repulsive Feature
While is it the belief of many that the Principle of Specialization is the most repulsive feature introduced to us by Plato in the Republic, the opposing argument is that the use of specialization is a great idea. Businesses aim to operate with as much productivity as possible while having very little waste, so why not our communities? The Principle of Specialization is present in all aspects of the community, from its humble beginnings of only a handful of men1 and even more so in the state that grows into one that needs an army for protection 2. By examining each new layer that is added, we can study each new aspect of specialization that is added to the society. In the most basic form of a society, only a handful of men are present. These men come together to fulfill their needs by relying on the skills of others in different areas. All men have the basic needs which are food, shelter and clothing. 3 By using their unique skills and sharing the fruits of their labor, no man will have to go without. No one was made equal, and clearly some may excel at one task while not being proficient in another. To maximize the productivity of the community each person should strictly work in the area that they are most practiced.4 Having
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Plato, Desmond Lee, and Melissa Lane, The Republic, (London: Penguin, 2007), 369d. Plato, The Republic, 374a. Plato, The Republic, 369d. Plato, The Republic, 369e.
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2 each member of the community restricted to work solely in the field that they are the most skilled may not seem optimal from the perspective of the worker due to interests in other fields, but it ensures that all work being done is of the highest quality. The mutual need of man and the ability to come together and use their individual talents to fulfill this need are the two key principles used in the formation of a society.5 By having each man focus on the area of work in
Principle of Specialization:
A Positive Review of a Repulsive Feature
While is it the belief of many that the Principle of Specialization is the most repulsive feature introduced to us by Plato in the Republic, the opposing argument is that the use of specialization is a great idea. Businesses aim to operate with as much productivity as possible while having very little waste, so why not our communities? The Principle of Specialization is present in all aspects of the community, from its humble beginnings of only a handful of men1 and even more so in the state that grows into one that needs an army for protection 2. By examining each new layer that is added, we can study each new aspect of specialization that is added to the society. In the most basic form of a society, only a handful of men are present. These men come together to fulfill their needs by relying on the skills of others in different areas. All men have the basic needs which are food, shelter and clothing. 3 By using their unique skills and sharing the fruits of their labor, no man will have to go without. No one was made equal, and clearly some may excel at one task while not being proficient in another. To maximize the productivity of the community each person should strictly work in the area that they are most practiced.4 Having
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Plato, Desmond Lee, and Melissa Lane, The Republic, (London: Penguin, 2007), 369d. Plato, The Republic, 374a. Plato, The Republic, 369d. Plato, The Republic, 369e.
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2 each member of the community restricted to work solely in the field that they are the most skilled may not seem optimal from the perspective of the worker due to interests in other fields, but it ensures that all work being done is of the highest quality. The mutual need of man and the ability to come together and use their individual talents to fulfill this need are the two key principles used in the formation of a society.5 By having each man focus on the area of work in
Bibliography: Plato, Desmond Lee, and Melissa Lane. 2007. The Republic. London: Penguin.