Unit 1 Exam Review: Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero

Plato's Intent

To define objective justice and injustice.

Thrasymachus' Philosophy

Power defines what is good and just.

Pragmatism

Dealing with practical rather than theoretical considerations.

Shepherd Analogy

Shepherd fattens sheep for profit, reflecting human nature.

Plato's Ruler-Sailor Analogy

Ruler must care for the ruled, like captain for sailors.

Injustice According to Thrasymachus

Injustice is clever, benefiting oneself over others.

Plato's View on Justice

Justice involves logical reasoning for the common good.

Aristotle's Role of the State

To achieve the highest good through cooperation.

Origin of the State

Evolves from family to village to state for survival.

Political Animals

Humans are naturally inclined to form political communities.

Soul-Body Analogy

Ruler's rationality guides the ruled like soul guides body.

Good Citizen vs. Good Man

Good man is moral; good citizen serves the state.

Forms of Government

Kingship, Aristocracy, Constitution vs. Tyranny, Oligarchy, Democracy.

Good vs. Bad Government

Good serves common good; bad serves self-interest.

Cicero's Commonwealth

Assemblage of people cooperating for the common good.

True Law

Objective good guiding just society through right reason.

Nature of Laws

Laws reflect objective good, guiding behavior.

Cicero's Concept of Justice

Laws favor liberties of the good, ignored by the wicked.

Cicero's Political State

Not just people, but a cooperative political entity.

Objective Good

Foundation for creating just laws according to Cicero.

Right Reason

Using logic aligned with nature to conceive laws.

Cicero's View on Law's Effect

Laws ineffective on the wicked, who disregard them.

Plato's Just Ruler

Ruler must prioritize the welfare of the ruled.