Principle of Specialization

One of the central ideas expressed in Plato’s book The Republic. The principle of
specialization seeks to create a city that is desirable and suited for every person. Under the
principle of specialization, every citizen sticks to tasks that they are suited for. The principle of
specialization is at the center of Plato’s idea of social justice. However, one major problem
associated with the principle of justice is the fact that it fails to take into consideration personal
freedom and creativity. According to Socrates, desires result in the creation of an unjust
society. Although Plato, attempts to create a just city, the principle of justice does not fit
contemporary conceptual framework.
The principle of specialization is founded on citizens being forced to do what they are
suited to do regardless of whether or not they enjoy it. The space for one to disagree is closed
and everyone is bound by duties that they have to fulfill. The principle is unnecessary as a
determining principle of justice. It reflects a city divided into three classes of rulers, producers,
and soldiers. The principle defines justice as the result of every citizen fulfills the civic duties
that relate to their respective classes. The institutions and policies that Plato recommend fail to
meet the principles of a just society. The principle of specialization curtails personal freedom and
while it might be seen as a system of distributing duties, it fails to distribute the benefits.
Plato seeks to justify the principle by explaining social justice as a situation where one
has his or her own and also does his or her own. According to Plato justice is rooted in both
having and doing one’s own. Doing one’s own is clear and means fulfilling one’s duty to the
state. However, there lacks clarity on what Plato meant by stating having one’s own. Plato fails
to explain this statement and this makes it to be surrounded by ambiguity. Plato fails to anticipate

PRINCIPLE OF SPECIALIZATION 3
contemporary discussions surrounding ‘one’s own’. If it is interpreted literally to mean people
doing and having their own jobs, then it fails to fit into the principles of justice. The value of a
job opportunity if rooted in one having the freedom to choose their career paths. One’s choice
should be founded on their interests and vocations. However, Plato suggests that citizens should
instead specialize in occupations that they are naturally suited. The principle of specialization
assigns people to professions and expects them to stick to those professions without due regard
for choice or interest.
Plato suggests that one of the principle institutions in society are education institutions.
Plato goes further to insinuate that education institutions help young people to be courageous and
just. However, in The Republic artisans do not receive any form of education further violating
the principles of justice. When a person is assigned the artisan class, they are cut off from
receiving benefits. It is unjust that through specialization, artisans are cut off from receiving
certain great benefits. Most citizens in an ideal city have no share in the running of the city.
Overall, the principle of specialization fails to meet the principles of fairness and justice.
The principle fails to take into account personal freedoms and liberty and in turn forces people to
undertake certain responsibilities that they may not like. It also excludes people from running the
city by creating classes.