Plato & Aristotle: Political Theories in Ancient Greece
Plato: Political Philosophy in Athens
Context and Background
Plato, a prominent Athenian philosopher and a disciple of Socrates, lived during a time of pessimism following the Peloponnesian War. Coming from a wealthy family, he founded the Academy, a renowned center of learning.
Plato’s Core Ideas
Plato’s philosophy emphasized the importance of knowledge and reason. He believed that true knowledge leads to understanding what is right and wrong, which he called “the good.” To achieve this understanding, a proper method must be applied to all areas of life, including ethics and governance.
Plato’s Critique of Democracy
Plato was critical of democracy. He argued that the general population, influenced by sophists, was more concerned with their own interests than with truth and justice. He believed that individuals possess both lower and higher selves, and that the lower self, driven by selfishness, often dominates in a democracy. Plato advocated for a system where philosopher-kings, individuals with specialized knowledge and training, would govern for the common good.
Plato’s Ideal State
Plato’s vision of an ideal state was outlined in his work “The Republic.” He proposed a hierarchical society with a strict division of labor based on individual aptitudes. Justice in this state would be achieved when each individual fulfilled their designated role, contributing to the overall good of society.
Plato’s Proposals for Governance
To prevent corruption, Plato suggested the abolition of private property for those holding public office. He also emphasized the importance of education, advocating for a state-controlled system that would provide compulsory education in subjects like gymnastics, music, military training, and philosophy.
Aristotle: Political Philosophy in the 4th Century BCE
Aristotle, a student of Plato, was another influential philosopher from Stagira, a city in northeastern Greece. He founded the Lyceum, a rival school to Plato’s Academy. His major works include “Politics” and “Nicomachean Ethics.”
Aristotle’s Key Ideas
Aristotle believed that political theory should be grounded in observation and experience. He rejected Plato’s utopian approach, arguing that political systems should be based on practical considerations and the rule of law. He emphasized the importance of the state in fostering the full development of its citizens.
Aristotle’s View of the State
Aristotle saw the state as an essential organization for human life. He believed that a good government should safeguard the public interest and be based on general laws that apply to all citizens. He recognized the collective wisdom of the people, acknowledging that while they may not always be right, they possess a certain intuition about what is just and unjust.
Aristotle’s Emphasis on Education and the Rule of Law
Aristotle considered education crucial for the proper functioning of the state. He believed that education should cultivate good habits and virtues in individuals. He also stressed the importance of the rule of law, arguing that even wise rulers should be subject to it.
Aristotle’s Classification of Governments
Aristotle classified governments into three pure forms: monarchy (rule by one), aristocracy (rule by the few), and democracy (rule by the many). He also identified their corrupted counterparts: tyranny, oligarchy, and demagogy. He believed that the best form of government would depend on the specific circumstances of a society.
Aristotle’s Concept of Law
Aristotle distinguished between natural law, which consists of universal principles of justice, and conventional law, which is created by human communities and can change over time. He believed that a just constitution should be based on natural law.