Plato and Aristotle: Political Philosophy and Concepts of Justice

These flashcards encapsulate key vocabulary and concepts from the lectures on Plato's and Aristotle's political philosophies, focusing on themes of justice, the nature of the soul, and forms of government.

Polis

A city-state in ancient Greece, particularly Athens, referring to a community or nation.

Sophistry

A deceptive or fallacious argument, often used for persuasive purposes in public speaking.

Socratic Method

A form of cooperative argumentative dialogue that stimulates critical thinking and illuminates ideas.

Justice (Socrates's Definition)

Justice is a cooperative specialization where each individual performs roles suited to their nature.

Tripartite Soul

The concept that the soul consists of three parts: reason, spirit, and appetite, each playing a role in human behavior.

The Gadfly

A term used by Socrates to describe his role in society, provoking critical thought and challenging complacency.

Allegory of the Cave

Plato’s metaphor illustrating the effects of education and the lack of it on human nature and understanding.

Telos

The ultimate purpose or function of a thing, especially in relation to human life and ethics according to Aristotle.

Philosopher-Kings

A term referring to rulers in Plato's ideal state who possess wisdom and knowledge and govern for the common good.

Koinonia

The concept of partnership or community in political philosophy, emphasizing the need for collaborative living.

Eudaimonia

A Greek term often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing'; the highest human good in Aristotelian ethics.

Mixed Regime

A political system that combines elements of democracy and aristocracy, balancing power among different classes.

Hierarchy of Souls

In Plato's philosophy, a structured arrangement of souls where reason should govern spirit and appetite.

Justice (Aristotle)

The virtue of both individual and society, requiring fairness and the practice of moral and civic virtues.

Practical Reasoning

The application of ethical principles through actionable understanding, as emphasized by Aristotle over theoretical reasoning.

Socratic Irony

A technique where Socrates pretended ignorance to expose the ignorance or inconsistency of others in dialogue.