The Ship of State is a metaphor that describes conflicts with power. Plato begins his dialogue by introducing an image of a ship. The ship is a metaphor for a city or society in need of ruling. Plato goes on to say that the only ones worthy of ruling are philosophers. These rulers would be commonly called stargazers or good-for-nothing but these names interfere with their true potential. The masses or sailors are more concerned with the right way to steer the ship rather that who should lead. The point of the passage is to identity those who are fit to rule. The audience’s response should be to carefully choose what ship they wish to embark on and be cautioned by the ruler or captain of the ship.

Multiple metaphors can be found in this myth. Plato describes the sailors quarreling over the correct way to steer the ship when none of the sailors have those particular skills. Steering the ship is a metaphor for any craft or labor. The ship with sailors stuck in conflict is like a city or state where the people are in conflict with the ruler. Plato asks if he needs to describe the metaphor for a ship with a true philosopher as a ruler. Well a ship with a proper ruler is a prosperous and honored city. The sailors were among the greatest rulers but were not aware. Plato says that it is natural for a person in need of ruling or help to go to the one who can fulfill their needs. So, the masses must seek the true philosopher or else there is no telling who will steer the ship.

After reading the Ship of State, it is possible to feel as though it is hard to live in a perfect city because of the lack of true philosophers or to always be weary of those in power or to seek with caution the right ship. Wherever there is a ship...I hope there is smooth sailing.

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