Aristotle

Plato and Aristotle:

Comparison Respective Beliefs Concerning Government

In regards to Plato’s republic compared to Aristotle’s democracy, the only leaders designed to run the republic are ones that have a strong desire for wisdom and philosophy while on the contrary a democracy sovereign power is invested in the middle class. Plato, “The Philosopher-King,” once said, “Unless either philosophers become kings in their countries or those who are now called kings and rulers come to be sufficiently inspired with a genuine desire for wisdom… there can be no rest from troubles.” (Perry 54) The idea of one man, one ruler is brought to our attention, and the rulers desire to seek the truth and strive away from falseness describes ones character and his ability to run the republic. In the Aristotle’s democracy though it is a necessity to be wise and virtuous, moderation and balance are the defining points in his ethical theory of human life combined with government. These two different ideas from some of the greatest philosophers known to man have developed the stepping stones of government of the Western Civilization.

The only good ruler is a ruler wise and knowledgeable. How can anyone beyond doubt measure ones capacity for wisdom and knowledge? A high capacity for both of these is crucial for a competent leader, and ones capacity can be observed if the leader shows philosophical reasoning while presenting an aspiration in political management. Based on Plato’s beliefs on successively developing a strong but also efficient government, rulers ought to be lovers of wisdom, and have an indisputable desire to seek the truth and have a hatred for falsehood. (Perry 54) Under no circumstances must a leader of his multitude of people show any cowardice nature towards death, otherwise his pursuit of wisdom is worthless. Also, a lover of wisdom, a natural leader if you will, shows no wish for money and lavish possessions. Instead the soul will find pleasure in...