Singapore: The ideal polis of Plato?

• Main Authors: Abu Bakar, Afi Roshezry, Michael, Edwin, Ibrahim, Ira Meilita, Shu, Tze Yuh
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: JC Political theory
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/8703/1/4.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/8703/; http://lintas.uum.edu.my:8080/elmu/index.jsp?module=webopac-l&action=fullDisplayRetriever.jsp&szMaterialNo=0000778103

Callipolis, as pointed out as Socrates in Plato’s Republic laid out the ‘perfect’ city, the ideal polis which will be ultimately governed by philosopher-kings.According to Socrates, philosopher-kings will make the best ruler for a city.The factors will be discussed in this paper in the light of Singaporean governance.Singapore as a democratic country had also been categorized as an authoritarian state, which suggests a clash between these two concepts. Singapore, a small country in South East Asia ruled by “Hybrid Regime” as pointed out by The Economist, Intelligence Unit.The goal of this study is to establish a substantial relation between Singapore and Socrates’ Callipolis by examining their similarities particularly on the governance of a philosopher-king.Thus, the works of prominent academicians and research works will be used.The results show that in order for Singapore to become a developed country in SEA region and become part of the first world, a highly controlled state was adopted that guaranteed continuous growth and stability in economics and politics of the country.