Plato & Aristotle
How did Aristotle distinguish 6 kinds of social structure? (in 3 pairs)
- A state with only one ruler is either a monarchy, or a tyranny - A state with several rulers is either an aristocracy, or an oligarchy - A state in which all rule is either a polity, or a democracy. The first sort of state is one in which the rulers are concerned with the good of the state, while those of the second sort are those in which the rulers serve their own private interests.
What were Aristotle's political views?
- Aristotle argues that citizens with proper education and obedience to the law are equipped to rule themselves and others. (unlike Plato) - "Anyone can rule well when educated by the laws and many ruling together is better than one ruling alone" - Aristotle thinks that virtue and justice can be taught to citizens (unlike Plato). Aristotle's city is in some ways more inclusive - In both art & law, Aristotle says laws sometimes must be changed, and that art is not always perfect to begin with, so why try and preserve it as such (unlike Plato)
What is Aristotle's greatest contribution to modern Politics?
- Aristotle has a keen sense of the dangers of powers abused - He discusses at lengths (in book III) the difficulties of ensuring that all citizens are held accountable for their actions - He makes a forceful argument that written law should have greater authority than the ruling class - It is thanks to his influence that we take the primacy of the law as a given in the modern democratic world
What were Aristotle's thoughts on the individual?
- Aristotle notes that "a city is made up not only of many human beings but also of human beings who differ in kind". - While Plato believes that by nature some are more fit than others for certain jobs, Aristotle disagrees. For Aristotle, any citizen has the ability to rule, so long as they follow the law and are properly educated. - Believes the purpose of being a citizen in a community is the ability to rule and be ruled. Believes the best regimes are those where citizens have the ability and desire to make their own choices. This is accomplished by giving the majority the ability to rule. - Also believes that common wives and children would actually undermine the stability of the city. The notion of common possessions, what Aristotle calls communism, fractures the unity of the city. Rather than disintegrating the public and private realms, Aristotle argues that the separation is vital. "What would happen if one reduced a many-voiced harmony to unison or rhythm to a single beat?"
In summary, what was Aristotle's ideal government?
- He believed monarchy to be the best possible state in principle, but recognised that it could lead to tyranny. - He therefore recommended the formation of polity, or constitutional government, since its degenerate form less harmful. As always, Aristotle defended the mean rather than run the risk of either extreme.
What were Plato's thoughts on the individual?
- His city is based on the 4 virtues of wisdom, courage, moderation and justice. Justice meaning everyone has a certain role. - Believes a city evolves because it fulfills certain functional needs. The needs that are most obvious are food, shelter and clothes. Only the city can provide all of these because each individual that makes up the city has a certain role of which he or she plays. - Plato's city functions like an organism, with each carrying out their daily routine. This is why Plato believes that a special class of 'Guardians' is best fit to rule the city. - His view is because most men are only concerned with consequences and are generally unjust, only a few are virtuous enough to lead the city. The 'Guardians' (rulers) must be physically strong, lovers of wisdom and knowledge and resistant to outside experience. - The guardians live by a separate set of rules. Plato also extinguishes the divide between the public and the private. Plato argued for common wives and common children for the guardians, so as to build community among the city's rulers. The city plays a predominant role in unifying the community and preserving order, a key aspect of Platonic thought.
What is Plato's greatest contribution to modern Politics?
- The emphasise he placed on the power of knowledge & wisdom - These attributes would make for a better informed voter & more reasonable form of government, where democratic ideal is blended with an understanding of economic necessity & the realities of human nature - From the recent financial crisis, perhaps what has become most apparent is the need for a collective good and a sense of collective responsibility, incorporated into the notion of democracy - which is a Platonic ideal
What where Plato's political views?
- The guardians are the only individuals qualified to rule because of the unique skills and knowledge they possess. - Only the guardians are capable of ruling because of their wisdom, courage, moderation and attachment to justice. - Strong dislike for democracy. Plato describes democracy as a regime in which people can do "anything they please" - Plato's view of government is elitist & conservative, and only a few are capable of governing. The guardians have the natural skill for philosophy and governing that others do not. - A final point of conservatism in Plato is his resistance to change. He urges the guardians to resist the temptation to adopt new kinds of poetry and music. It is the job of those that rule to protection against change.
How does Plato distinguish between 4 forms of government?
1. Timarchy - war and the army dominate and victory is the only thing prized. 2. Oligarchies - money and the acquisition of money drives the rulers. 3. Democracy - has no control at all and all desires are perceived to be equal. 4. Dictatorships - the ruler acquires all power for himself and convinces the populace it is in their best interest to keep him in.
In summary, what was Plato's ideal government?
A dictatorship of the 'Philosopher-King' that looked out for the common good.
How has Aristotle influenced contemporary politics?
Aristotle ties back to democracy on several points: - Aristotle is more willing to give citizens the ability to rule, is not very resistant to change, and ultimately thinks that with the proper laws and teaching the multitude would have the ability to govern themselves. - He is in favour of a kind of weighted voting system (in modern terms) as he feared that equal rights to vote (as we have in modern democraties) would cause the ungifted to rule over the gifted.
Who was Aristotle?
He was Plato's prize student, even though he disagreed with him on many points. His political views could be seen today as being Democratic.
Who was Plato?
He was a Greek Philosopher - Socrates' prized student. His political views could be seen today as being Republican.
What is Plato's view of Justice?
Justice means the "harmony that results when everyone is actively engaged in fulfilling his role and does not meddle with that of others".
How has Plato influenced contemporary politics?
Plato ties back into modern conservatism on several points: - Plato was worried about mob rule and suspicious of any idea that gave ruling power to common citizens. - Plato also resisted change, and charged the guardians with being responsible for seeing that the laws and arts were protected. - Also, Plato believed that "national' myths, noble lies and religion were important, if but for no other reason than to provide order. However, today modern conservatism is noted by calls for limited government, free-markets and dedication to the family - Plato disagreed with these ideas.
