Plato and Hobbes have similar philosophies for which one could compare regarding their theories in "The Republic," and "The Leviathan." They speak upon natural human conditioning and the reasons as to why humans exist. There are some very similar ideologies about the essential basic needs humans have and the forces that drive them as well as how they are governed. In addition, there are also some differences politically behind their theories, which ends up being the result of how they view human beings and their roles within society. In Plato's 'The Republic," each person in society served a function and had a job that suited their personality. He believed that the natural condition of man was social cooperation – sharing their profits so that all would benefit and working together for the greater good. When everyone contributed a little bit then all were successful within society. However, he knew that if scarcity of goods were to occur then some may want for more leaving other's with less. This is why he established a government. .
Those who were at the top of society were the guardians. This position held would be someone who possesses the traits that made them morally (AKA politically) superior to the others in society. Plato explains in "The Republic" that the guardian is to be a really good and noble guardian of the state who will unite in himself philosophy, spirit, swiftness and strength (Plato, pg. 9). In other words, the guardian's position in the state was required so that the people in the state would not fall victim to their desires and passions, thus becoming selfish should scarcity occur. The guardians would ensure that those desires stayed in check and that one person would not gain more then another. The way Plato's theoretical human conditioning works is that human beings represent a natural order whereas the guardians (supreme philosophers) are at the top of the order and everyone else in the state is below them taking heed to their guidance and wisdom.
