Final answer:
Plato advocated for an education system that raised children as wards of the state to establish a society governed by philosopher-kings, where rulers are selected based on their wisdom and knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
A student has asked about Plato's advocacy for extreme methods in The Republic regarding education systems. In this work, Plato did not advocate for removing children from education entirely, allowing children to choose their own education, or providing education only to the elite class. Instead, b) Raising children as wards of the state is the closest to Plato's perspective. Plato's vision was for children to be educated collectively by the state to ensure that they could grow up to fulfill their roles in society, particularly those who are to become the ruling 'philosopher-kings.' Such an education system was meant to create a just society where rulers are wise and knowledgeable.
Plato believed that future leaders' education was critically important, viewing philosopher-kings as the ideal rulers. He argued that true understanding and wisdom should guide leadership, rather than inheritance or privilege. Those best fit for various roles in society should be selected based on meritocracy, an idea Plato favored, which was called 'Aristocracy' in his time, meaning the rule of the best.