Ramon asked:

Why does Plato think that philosophers should be kings?

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The definition of a philosopher and the characteristics required of the philosopher-ruler are subject of
part VII and VIII of the dialogue Republic.Summarized it can be said that, according to Plato, human
beings may reside in two worlds: the lower world of Belief and the higher world of Knowledge. While
governance by non-philosophers would mean to be caught in the sensual world and therefore
governed by mere opinions, beliefs and self-interest, the philosopher ruler will in contrast govern with
virtue and justice without self-interest because of his/ her special education in knowledge of absolute
virtue, justice and other qualities.

They should rule "who are truly rich, not in silver and gold, but in virtue and wisdom, which are the
true blessings of life", and those having had "an education as will enable them to attain the greatest
skill in asking and answering questions" Plato says. Both are definitely qualities of true philosophers.
Those, only "poor and hungering after their own private advantage, thinking that hence they are to
snatch the chief good...will be fighting about office, and the civil and domestic broils which thus arise
will be the ruin of the rulers themselves and of the whole State."

As true philosophy means gaining the above qualities, philosophers are the only possible rulers. It is
important to make a distinction between the acquisition of knowledge and the acquisition of truth,
because knowledge is not necessarily the final truth. So philosophers of course can make mistakes,
but will be ready (and hopefully able) to correct their views towards more truth.

Simone Klein