Plato on Objectivity

Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher and one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy, believed that objectivity was a foundational value for individuals who held positions of power and authority, including civil servants.

In his work “The Republic,” Plato emphasized the importance of reason and objectivity in governance. He argued that rulers should be guided by reason and knowledge rather than personal biases, desires, or interests. He believed that rulers should be able to separate their personal feelings and preferences from their actions and decisions and that they should base their decisions on objective facts and evidence.

Plato believed that objectivity was important because it helped to ensure that rulers made decisions that were in the best interests of the state and its citizens. By basing their decisions on reason and evidence, rulers could avoid making decisions that were influenced by personal biases or interests, which could harm the state or its citizens.

Plato also believed that objectivity was important for maintaining the legitimacy of the state. If rulers were perceived as being biased or partial, it could undermine the trust and confidence of the citizens in the government and lead to instability or even rebellion.