ABSTRACT
While some scholars attribute to Plato the intention to present concrete examples and show determined historical processes, others allot him an analysis of reality or its reduction to representative types of political regimens. The mention of different forms of government, however, raises certain problems for a rigorous application of the analogy between the soul and the polis. This chapter briefly recapitulates the argument of the Republic, adding a few decisive facts for specific ends. Following the introduction of the analogy between soul and polis comes the narration concerning the genesis of the ideal polis. The exposition of the genesis and nature of democracy makes plain once more that the exposition of the deficient forms of government does not describe a historical process nor offer an analysis of the political reality of the epoch. Immoderation and contradiction, however, do achieve their consummation in the tyrant.
