Plato s Theory Of Government - 2042 Words

Many nations around the world hold the view that democracy with capitalism offers an efficient use of government resources, which yields the greatest resources for the entire population. However, in an age when free markets are unregulated, issues are raised for the role of government. Other nations have adopted different forms of government, such as communism. This system of government collapsed; one of the reasons being that it did not fundamentally match human nature, leaving democracy as the superior form of government. Plato did not believe democracy was the superior form of government; in fact, he believed that governing should be in the hands of specialized individuals rather than ordinary citizens. Is Plato’s vision plausible enough to have society be governed in this manner? Or is democracy reflective of the true nature of man â€Å"where the strong do what they can and the weak suffer as they must† (Boyle 2007)? In times of crisis, one is reminded of th e need to review widely held assumptions regarding the best way to govern. In Plato’s Republic, the best form of government was offered, which perhaps highlighted insight into issues under review in today’s times. The Republic is perhaps Plato’s most influential work in that the collection of dialogues serves to put forth a political theory for a just state. The central belief that binds these dialogues together is that justice and happiness are intertwined, not because of good outcomes, but â€Å"because justiceShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Aristotle s The Golden Mean 1109 Words   |  5 Pageswas a student of Plato, as well as founded/ taught at several academies. He wrote on diverse subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, logic, politics, government, and ethics. He contributed to almost every field of human knowledge in existence during his time, and he was the founder of many new fields. Aristotle was one of the most influential of the ancient Greek philosophers. Aristotle s theory of the Golden Mean was found in his work, Nicomachean Ethics. This theory has also been expressedRead MoreA Life Sketch of Plato and His Works905 Words   |  4 PagesGreek philosophers, Plato must remain the best known of all the Greeks. The original name of this Athenian aristocrat was Aristiclis, but in his school days he received the nickname Platon (meaning broad) because of his broad shoulders. Plato was born in Athens, Greece to one of the oldest and most distinguished families in the city. He lived with his mother, Perictione, and his father, Ariston (Until Ariston died.) Born in an aristocratic and rich family, Plato s childhood was indulgedRead MorePlato, An Ancient Greek Philosopher1458 Words   |  6 Pages Plato, an Ancient Greek Philosopher by Carly Rittenmeyer Bible and the Ancient World Spring 2015 Plato, a Greek Philosopher, is known for his writings that impacted people in the Ancient Greek society. He was a free thinker and lived in a free city, Athens. He was taught by multiple teachers including Socrates who was frequently mentioned in his writings as the central character. Plato’s novel, The Republic, influenced the idea of government and shows hisRead MorePlato And Aristotle s Theories Of Utilitarianism And Kantian Ethics1408 Words   |  6 PagesThe ancient theories of Plato and Aristotle differ greatly from the contemporary theories of Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics. Plato and Aristotle focused on the importance of virtue in an individual’s life. Plato believed that purity of the soul was the most important thing in life and can be achieved by mastering the four virtues: justice, wisdom, courage, and moderation. Aristotle believed that the goal of human life was to achieve happiness, which is made possible by the cultivation of a justRead MoreAnci ent Greek Philosophy -Paper776 Words   |  4 Pagesconfidence in the power of the mind Greeks used observation and reason to determine why things happened, they opened up a new way of looking at human existence. During the time of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle it was a crime to investigate the things above the heavens and below the Earth. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were well known philosophers. Their research contributed to modern science and the development of Western political thought. Socrates, born in 5th century BCE, makes aRead MoreThe Ideal Society As Suggested By Plato993 Words   |  4 PagesThe ideal society as suggested by Plato is composed of three classes: the producers, the auxiliaries, and the guardians. The producers are the craftsmen, farmers etc.; the auxiliaries are the warriors/soldiers; and the guardians are the rulers. This hierarchy places the rulers at the top of the food chain followed by the auxiliaries with the producers at the bottom. In this society, each group is required to perform is appropriate function and only that function. It is the rulers’ job to rule,Read MorePlato s Interpretation Of Utopia1630 Words   |  7 PagesPlato and Aristotle shared many differences despite also sharing a teacher student relationship. This essay will strive to establish their understandings of reason and the role reason plays in their comprehensions of politics, differentiating between the kinds of reason and politics produced as a result. Plato is regarded as the first writer of political philosophy while Aristotle is recognised as the first political scientist. Plato’s interpretation of Utopia is founded upon the existence of threeRead MoreComparing Aristotle and Plato Essays1325 Words   |  6 PagesComparing Aristotle and Plato Aristotle argues that in order for a polis to emerge, a union between man and women must convene. Later a household must be introduced which unites with other households to form a village, villages come together to form city-states. This theory is Aristotle’s natural view that an individual can not be self sufficient Plato argues that, in order to achieve absolute justice, a city-state is needed. In The Republic, Plato builds around the idea of Philosopher RulersRead MoreHistorical Events That Took Place During The Classical Period1458 Words   |  6 Pagescharisma and leadership skills of Alexander. While Alexander was a firm supporter of Plato s academy he also encouraged Aristotle to set up his own institution. This eventually lead to the creation of Aristotle’s own school located in Athens, where her himself taught for twelve years, called Lyceum. Ancient Greece of Aristotle’s time consisted of numerous small city-states, each with its own independent government. Each of these city-states was made up of slaves, noncitizen manual laborers, childrenRead MoreHuman Nature : Good Or Evil1053 Words   |  5 Pagesincluding some economic ideologies, produce theories of human nature in order to establish fundamental human rights and to establish a more productive form of government. Human nature refers to the distinguishing characteristics of humans, including ways of thinking, feeling and acting; it is the moral principles that construct certain standards of behavior, which every person is entitled to simply because they are a human being. Many philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, and Locke attempted