Book 4

Soctates primarily discusses balance within the state and its similarity to balance within the individual.
Socrates emphasizes that the distinction between classes is essential, especially that each class follows its specific role without rebellion. Socrates exclusively associates characteristics of the state to specific classes; The leader’s wiseness defines the state’s wiseness; the soldiers courage defines the state’s courage. Other classes do not contribute to these characteristics because it is not within their role. Soctates defines the courage of the state as true opinion about real danger, such as dishonor, shame and defeat. This courage was designated to soldiers who did not fear battle.
Another attribute of the state is temperance. Temperance is generally defined as the agreement of naturally superior and inferior in their right to rule. This strength of logic over temptation allows for the ideal state to function smoothly with an uneven power scale. In the ideal state, individuals accept their roles because it is what is just. In a state of justice, a leader rules, a soldier fights, and a laborer produces. The sense of justice prevents any need for rebellion.
The just man is similar to the state in that its three parts, the rational, irrational, and spirit, remain within their confined roles. The spirit of the just man supports the rational part of the man, which governs all three parts. Socrates highlights the importance of this relationship between the parts of man by stating that if the parts do not work in such a way, then man suffers.