Is Justice Possible? The Isomorphism of Two Regulative Ideals in Plato’s Republic and the Possibility Question

This article explores the “possibility question” in Plato’s Republic. It posits that Plato’s just city and the just soul analysis should be understood as an isomorphism of two regulative ideals for cities and individuals. I argue that the just city and soul serve as regulative ideals, meant to guide and inspire actions toward the approximation of justice. Conceptualizing justice in the Republic as a regulative ideal answers the possibility question.

Keywords: Justice, Regulative Ideal, Just City, Just Soul, Isomorphism, Plato’s Republic, Possibility Question.