Plato's Republic was written by the Greek philosopher in the 380s BCE. In it, he outlines what he considered to be the four most
important virtues that should be a part of any government: wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice. What role did Plato's Republic play in Georgia history?
A) They are the foundation of the state motto.
B) They are required to be a part of all laws.
C) They are contained in the Preamble to the state constitution.
D) They are part of the oath of citizenship all Georgians must take.
The State of Georgia has never officially adopted a state motto, but the state seal, adopted in 1799, features a banner with three words on it, which have served as the <em>de facto </em>state motto: "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation."
Book 4 of Plato's <em>Republic</em> lists four key virtues of a good government: wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice. In the state seal of Georgia, there is also depicted a soldier with a drawn sword -- which could be taken as a depiction of courage. If so, all four of Plato's primary virtues of government can be seen as included in the Georgia seal. But most certainly, "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation" -- taken as the Georgia state motto -- come from the philosophical principles of Plato.
