Ideal State

Ideal State

Introduction

This paper discusses the two of the greatest philosophers that emerged from Greece in the fourth century B.C.E., Plato and Aristotle, who gave civilization some of its greatest philosophical discourses. This paper notes that both tried to envision the ideal state. The writer then points out that neither Plato nor Aristotle believed strongly in individual freedom. The writer concludes that both Plato and Aristotle have had a profound influence on philosophy since their own time. Further, the writer maintains that remarkably, these two men are remembered as figures in Athens, which is considered the source of modern democracy, but neither of them believed strongly in individual freedom.

Discussion

Plato and Aristotle had virtually the same beliefs about man's relation to the State, although Plato's political theory of the State was more rational than Aristotle's. Plato and Aristotle all believed that man was not self-sufficient, they believed man would be most happy living in a State. They also believed that all men wanted to live the truly good life where they could be in tune with the truth and achieve their ultimate goals. Although Plato and Aristotle's political views of the State are similar, Plato's view is more rational than Aristotle's in the sense that he created an ideal State. Plato and Aristotle were three philosophers in ancient Greece who believed that no man was self-sufficient enough to live on his own. Plato believed "a State comes into existence because no individual is self-sufficing" (pp. 45-50). This theory of Plato's was also shared by Aristotle who said "He who is unable to live in society or who has no need because he is sufficient for himself, must either be a beast or a god" (p.5). These two views indicate the importance of a State to an individual according to Plato and Aristotle.

All three philosophers believed that man would be much happier if he was part of a State rather than on his own. An individual living outside of a State would have to provide them. "Plato assumes that we are all born with physical and intellectual equipment that makes us suited to perform some tasks better than others" (p.25). So now individuals only have to specialize in something that they are physically and intellectually suited for according to Plato.

These three philosophers believed that if man could be more productive by specializing in something that they are suited for they would be happier. Aristotle made the point that "Every community is established with the view to some good; and that mankind always act in order to obtain that which they think good" (p.8).

The first proposal that Socrates makes in The Republic makes sense to me. There should be equality among men and women, but they do not need to share everything is common. There needs to be a balance of both public and private life. It would not make sense to rid society of private life entirely. The second proposal that Socrates makes does not make much sense at all; it ...