Plato and Aristotle on Democracy Essay examples - 2188 Words

Aldi Myteberi Question 1. Democracy is a form of government where people choose leaders through elections and social construct that are based on the equality of everyone within the state. It is a form of government were majority and public opinions combine to choose leaders with respect to the social structure of a particular society, taking into consideration the social laws, rules, traditions, norms, values, and culture. Plato and Aristotle tow of the most influential figures in Greek philosophy. Both Plato and Aristotle were big critics of democracy as a poor form of government. Aristotle’s views about democracy hold that democratic office will cause corruption in the people, if the people choose to redistribute the wealth of the†¦show more content†¦The exaggerating is a major problem for those trying to develop an opinion because they draw their views based on public opinion. How well do these philosophers arguments apply to today’s democracies? For the purpose of this essay we will be looking at the United States of America as an example. In Plato’s view democracy creates men who believe â€Å"insolence is good breeding, anarchy freedom, extravagance munificence, and shamelessness courage is found to be somewhat true in democracy today. In many counter cultures such as Punk/gothic it is evident that many American believe insolence to be good breeding. Anarchy on the other had is the most free a person could ever get. If we take a close look at the current economic system in the U.S in which a free market economic system is preferred. In a free market economy the government tends to stay out of regulating the markets. When the governments does not agree with the way business is operating and tries to step in and regulate it, people of influence such as big businessman or commentators that have a big say and control in the public opinion step in to ease the governments grip. Even the general public dislikes it when the government is interfering with their affairs and would like more autonomy, while they do not necessarily harbor drams of anarchy these are anarchist tendencies. When it comes to extravagant within America are very commonly seen as munificent individuals. This is based on the trickledown effect whichShow MoreRelatedDemocracy Outlined by Plato and Aristotle Essay914 Words   |  4 Pagesstate or polis in all of Greece. This formation of Athenian ‘democracy’ holds the main principle that citizens should enjoy political equality in order to be free to rule and be ruled in turn. The word ‘democracy’ originates from the Greek words demos (meaning people) and kratos (meaning power) therefore demokratia means â€Å"the power of the people.† The famous funeral speech of Pericles states that â€Å"Our constitution is called democracy because power is in the hands not of a mi nority but of the wholeRead MoreAppraisal for Democracy by Plato, Aristotle and Thucydides1743 Words   |  7 PagesIn general, we can think of and consider democracy as a system or a structure of government made up of four key pillars. First, as a political system involved in choosing and interchanging the leadership through free and fair voting. The second pillar would be the active involvement of the citizens both in civic life and politics. Third is the safeguarding of the human rights of every citizen. Then finally as rule of law, which apply equally in the society. However, for the purpose of this paperRead More Foundations of Political Thought Essays1664 Words   |  7 PagesAristotle and Socrates and Plato’s beliefs have similarities mainly evident in their denouncement of democracy for the state. The views of Socrates expressed and written by his pupil Plato are vastly philosophical in nature and he promotes the idea of questioning life to achieve insight. The ph ilosophers who possess the absolute truth are the best equipped to rule society according to Plato and his Allegory of the Cave. Conversely, Aristotle takes a more political science approach of discussingRead MoreComparing Aristotle s 8 1455 Words   |  6 Pagesqualified compared to others. Plato outlines the different aspects of government and why he believes an aristocracy would be better form of government. In book 8 Socrates starts to wrap up his depiction of a just city. He starts to break down the four unjust constitutions of the city and man. 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The two philosophers had many differences but they wereRead MoreSocrates, Plato, and Aristotle884 Words   |  4 PagesMike W. Civ. 1: Sec, 121-10 Dr. Maria Farina Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, three men considered to be the quintessential basis of ancient Greek philosophy. Not only were they responsible for Greek enlightenment, but also foreshadowed the coming of Christ in there speculations. Plato, the protà ©gà © of Socrates, became the first to document the philosophy of his teacher, which in turn is passed down to Aristotle. This process of mentoring aided ancient man in the intellectual evolution ofRead MoreWhat Makes A Good Life?1274 Words   |  6 Pagesthe key to good environment for people to live in. Plato and Aristotle are two philosopher that had great influence of the modern western ways of thinking. Their ideas and theory may not be completely correct, but we should view it as a progression of history and how it influence our ways of thinking. Although they bear some superficial similarities, the difference between Plato and Aristotle are striking. Plato was an idealist, while Aristotle is a realist, and they had ideas on how people shouldRead More Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle Essay866 Words   |  4 Pages Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, three men considered to be the quintessential basis of ancient Greek philosophy. Not only were they responsible for Greek enlightenment, but also foreshadowed the coming of Christ in there speculations. Plato, the protà ©gà © of Socrates, became the first to document the philosophy of his teacher, which in turn is passed down to Aristotle. This process of mentoring aided ancient man in the intellectual evolution of politics and religion, known as the linear concept