We might say at this juncture in the dialogue that Socrates' defense of the philosopher-king is simply too idealistic, too reflective of the philosopher, as the historical Socrates is said to have been characterized in the Greek poet Aristophanes' comedy, The Clouds. But, were Plato alive today, he might very well reply that our own society is itself corrupt and lacks idealism just as much as his own society did. And at any rate, Plato might continue, have we agreed or not agreed that the philosopher possesses the virtues we have ourselves instilled in him in developing him to be a ruler? A philosopher is more than an "intellectual," a "mere man of words" as Plato said of himself in a letter he wrote to a friend.
This part of the Republic is full of topical allusions (Plato is alluding to people with whom he was personally acquainted). At the time in which the Republic was written, Athens was a democratic state, a state which showed that it had no use for men like the man Socrates or his younger fellows (men including Plato). And we must not forget that this is the society that executed the man, Socrates, on what we might regard today as specious charges. (See the Life and Background section, earlier.)
