An Outline of Labour in Plato’s Thought

The labour system of every society is crucial to its effective running. This is implied in Plato’s theory of social justice, even though he does not engage in a formal discussion of labour in any of his works. Yet, attempts by scholars to explore the characteristics of labour in Plato have been limited to his economic ideas, with a concentration on the division of labour and specialization. In this paper, I argue that Plato’s thoughts on labour go beyond just the principle of division of labour and specialization to employ philosophical, ethical, and psychological ideas in putting forward a labour system that keeps the polis functioning effectively, and that the socio-economic and political roles and implications of labour in Plato’s thought can only be understood by considering his holistic ideas. I conclude that the absence of a formal discussion of labour is because the principles and ideas Plato expounds in his works are sufficient to put the ills and evils that could result from labour in check. Nevertheless, the Republic and Laws present the best outlines of what may constitute labour in Plato’s thought, and so I concentrate, but do not limit myself, to both works