T1: Classical Thinkers; Plato and Aristotle

What was pre-Greek political thought based on?

Legend, myth, theology, and allegory.

What was the major contribution of Greek political thought?

The discovery of the scientific study of politics.

What was the Greek approach to taming man and nature?

Through reason.

Which two Greek city-states are particularly significant in political thought?

Sparta (war) and Athens (philosophy).

How did the Greeks contribute to modern thoughts and culture?

They influenced education, law, medicine, and politics.

Who was Plato's teacher?

Socrates.

What was Plato's most famous work?

"The Republic."

What was significant about "The Republic"?

It applied systematic reasoning and critical inquiry to political ideas and institutions.

What assumption did Plato make in "The Republic"?

That government and politics could be the legitimate object of rational analysis.

How did Socrates influence Plato?

He trained Plato to seek reasoning behind accepted ideas and institutions.

What is Plato's threefold division of the soul?

Rational, Spirited, and Appetitive.

How did Plato's division of the soul influence his political theory?

He believed society should be divided similarly into rulers (rational), soldiers (spirited), and producers (appetitive).

How did Plato divide society?

A ruling aristocracy, a well-trained body of soldiers and administrators, and a class of producers.

What is the difference between rulers and producers in Plato’s society?

Rulers possessed political wisdom, while producers had technical knowledge.

What is the concept of the Philosopher King?

A ruler with the highest intellectual and moral qualities, as described in "The Republic."

Why did Plato oppose democracy?

He believed only a small class possessed the capacity to govern.

How did Plato propose to maintain the ruling class?

Through selective breeding and prolonged education.

How did Plato view women in "The Republic"?

As vessels for producing high-quality heirs.

What was the role of children in Plato’s ideal state?

Male children became property of the state and were socialized to prioritize state survival.

Which modern dynasties reflect Plato's idea of the Philosopher King?

The Kennedys, Bush, and Trump families.

Who was Aristotle?

A student of Plato, born into wealth.

What major work did Aristotle write on politics?

"The Politics."

What are Aristotle’s two key ideas about the state in "The Politics"?

1. The state is a community. 2. It is the highest of all communities.

What did Aristotle believe about the evolution of the state?

It evolved from the family to the village to the state.

Why did Aristotle consider the state to be prior to the family?

Because the whole is prior to the part.

How did Aristotle define the highest form of community?

The state, as it provided constitution, citizenship, and full human realization.

What are Aristotle’s three true forms of government?

Monarchy, Aristocracy, and Constitutional Government.

What are the perverted forms of government according to Aristotle?

Tyranny, Oligarchy, and Democracy.

What is monarchy according to Aristotle?

The best form of government, where virtue is centered in one ruler.

What is aristocracy according to Aristotle?

A government formed by the best men absolutely.

What is constitutional government according to Aristotle?

A state where citizens administer for the common interest.

What is tyranny according to Aristotle?

Rule by one person for their own benefit.

What is oligarchy according to Aristotle?

Rule by a wealthy few for their own class benefit.

What is democracy according to Aristotle?

Rule by the poor for the benefit of the poor only.

Which form of government did Aristotle consider the best perversion?

Democracy.

What was Aristotle’s preference between monarchy and aristocracy?

Monarchy was preferable because virtue was centered in one ruler.

What was Aristotle’s view on democracy?

It was the best among the perversions.

How did Aristotle differ from Plato in terms of justice?

Plato searched for perfect justice, while Aristotle believed man-made law could never attain it.

What did Aristotle prefer over individual rule?

The rule of law.

How is Aristotle’s idea of the rule of law relevant today?

It is regarded as a pillar of democratic systems.