Plato’s Philosophy of Natural Education and Its Contemporary Value: A Textual Analysis Based on The Republic in Pursuit of “Natural Justice”

Abstract

Plato’s philosophy of natural education revolves around his conception of “natural right.” The primary goal of natural education is to guide learners to consciously reflect on the “Form of the Good,” thereby fostering the natural reorientation of the soul and its inner harmony through the influence of Eros and the process of recollection. This transformative process facilitates the spontaneous emergence of a socially stratified order rooted in natural right. Embedded primarily in The Republic, Plato’s philosophy of natural education emphasizes child-rearing practices as foundational to cultivating virtuous citizens. This study examines The Republic as its central text, analyzing the theoretical underpinnings, practical principles, and ultimate aims of Plato’s natural education philosophy. Additionally, it explores the contemporary relevance of this philosophy for modern educational theory and practice.