Evaluating Platonic Education and Its Relevance to the Modern-Day Education System

Abstract

This paper not only analyzes Plato's educational philosophy but also explores its usefulness today in the context of education. The research is premised on qualitative, document-based comparisons of Plato’s key concepts of education, specifically in the Republic, Meno, and Laws, with recent scholarship and current educational policy documents to date (by 2025). The paper posits that Platonic education can continue to play a significant role in contemporary discussions regarding the purpose of schooling, moral and civic education, the teacher, the curriculum, and the role of reason in political life. Simultaneously, it demonstrates that certain elements of Plato's model are incompatible with the values of contemporary democracy, as they are based on social stratification, tight control over knowledge, and limited freedom for learners. In the analysis, Platonic education is considered most applicable today, as it is read rather than copied. Its greatest contributions are that it takes education seriously by basing it on character formation, emphasizes intellectual discipline, and treats education as a public good related to justice. Its most disadvantaged side is its elitism, its paternalism, and its limited regard for pluralism. The article concludes that Plato still has a lot to offer contemporary education, which should nevertheless be modified to be rights-oriented and responsive to students, to maintain its applicability and relevance.