Английский язык. Мехеда О.Б. - 6 стр.

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UNIT 2
1.
Read the text and try to understand it:
Plato
S
ince ancient times social philosophers have been deeply concerned with
economic, social and political inequalities. They have theorized about the
naturalness, permanence, and inevitability of such inequalities. They have also
asked if these are still leading questions of students of stratification. It will pay,
therefore, to survey briefly what thinkers through the ages have said about these
and related matters.
For Plato a new society meant not only justice but also social stability and
internal discipline. It was with these features in mind that he dreamed of a society
ruled by philosopher kings.
Plato's society is explicitly class-structured so that all citizens belong to one
of three classes: the Guardians, the Auxiliaries, or the Workers. The Guardians
were divided still again into ruling and non-ruling groups. Each of these major
strata had separate and definite functions.
Plato sensed that those most suited for ruling – the role of the Guardian
class – might be born to parents of the two other classes. Accordingly, he
eliminated any possibility of inheritance of class status. He insisted on perfect
equality of opportunity for all children, regardless of birth. Each would have an
equal chance to manifest his natural qualities. Each would be trained to fulfill his
proper role in life. If such a selection and training process could work perfectly,
then according to Plato, there would be justification for giving the Guardians
absolute power. Thinking of the possible corrupting influence of family
sentiments, Plato proposed the abolition of the family within the Guardian group.
He insisted that its members must not possess any private property beyond the
barest necessities so that they would be able to focus only on communal welfare.
Plato has obviously proposed a highly stratified society. However, in his
society total equality of opportunity, total elimination of private property, and
single-minded concern for the common welfare are the distinguishing features of
the ruling class.
Notes to the text:
it will pay – (зд.) будет полезно
the Guardians – правители (которые должны быть философами)
the Auxiliaries – "наемные надзиратели для народа" (Платон)
the Workers – ремесленники (сюда входили и земледельцы)
might be born to parents – могли бы появиться у родителей
regardless of birth – независимо от рождения
beyond the barest necessities – сверх самого необходимого
6

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