What is Plato's analogy of the beast?

Answer 1

Plato compares the people in a democracy to 'a beast' and the rulers to 'a tamer'. The only way the tamers can keep control of, and stay popular with, the beast is by giving it what it wants. The tamers will never find out what is good, healthy or beneficial for the beast only what it likes. Through use of this analogy Plato claims that democracy is really rule by ignorance as neither the politicians nor the people who elect them know what is good for the people as a whole.

Answer 2

Plato's analogy of the beast is a metaphor used in "The Republic" to illustrate the conflict between reason (the charioteer) and the appetites or desires (the unruly horse) within the soul. The charioteer represents the rational part of the soul that must control the appetites in order to achieve harmony and justice. The analogy emphasizes the importance of self-control and inner balance in achieving a virtuous life.