Plato's “Republic”: an example of proto-project mental activity and primary experience in design of new social forms

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the analysis of Plato's work “The Republic” in the context of the genesis of project mentality  and project activity as the anthropological outcome that goes back to the early cultural states and primary personality-oriented ancient practices. The author shifts to the plane of historical-cultural retrospective of the origin of the phenomenon of project mentality with the objective vicissitudes of its genesis. An attempt is made to reflect on this process, examine and clarify certain moments associated with the prelude and dynamics of the development of project approach towards organizing modern reality. The author substantiates the original perspective on interpretation of Plato's “Republic” as the early typical example of proto-project mentality formed in the depths of ancient cultural practices. Project mentality is a promising vector of the existence of culture, the so-called matrix of personal fulfillment of a significant part of our contemporaries. The author believes that Plato's work “The Republic” should be recognized as one of the very first examples of proto-project due to the presence of a wide range of typological attributes of design. The conclusion is made that in accordance to most parameters, Plato's work “The Republic” falls under the concept of “project activity”, as it features majority of the aspects of sociocultural design.