Which one of these governemts were better for its people Athens(democracy) or Sparta (oligarchy)
Wouldn't one need to define better? And define the role of government? And did people include slaves and other resident non-citizens? And did it include women? Does better mean provide for cultural growth (archetecture, art, music)? Better is a matter of opinion: Just listen to how Republicans in the US claim life is better under them, and Democrats are happy to point out lack of universal healtcare, drugs, consumer safety, food safety, environmental safety, and so on. Better for the people depends on a complex point of view.
One cant just make a general statement on what is "better". Of course, politicians and preachers love to do it, but thinking folks know it is somewhat more complex.
BobPursley is exactly right... "better" has to fit the needs of the people at a particular time. Did the govt. of Athens meet the needs of the people? Did the govt. of Sparta meet the needs of the people? What you need to do is look at the situation and then make a judgement as to which most fulfilled the needs of its citizens
Bobpursley and GuruBlue are right -- better is a subjective concept, and you'd need alternatives plus LOADS of research on those particular societies to prove whatever point you care to make. You'd also need to decide if you are focusing on these city-states in 5th century BCE or earlier or later.
Consider that Socrates, an Athenian, thought democracy and oligarchy, among others, were not good forms of government BECAUSE OF "the human tendency to corruption by power ... "
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_(Plato)#The_form_of_government
Plato's Republic is very interesting to read for many reasons, one of which involves forms of government. Other topics are education of children and how humans perceive the world around them (allegory of the cave). Plato, by the way, wrote down what Socrates taught.
Happy researching and deciding.
=)
Choosing which government was better for its people, Athens (democracy) or Sparta (oligarchy), depends on various factors and perspectives. The concept of "better" is subjective and needs to be defined based on the needs of the people at a particular time. It is essential to consider the role of government, the inclusion of different groups such as slaves, non-citizens, and women, and the promotion of cultural growth. To make a well-informed judgment, extensive research on both societies and their respective governments would be necessary. Additionally, it is worth noting that philosophers like Socrates, an Athenian, criticized democracy and oligarchy due to the potential for corruption and abuse of power. Overall, determining which government was better requires careful consideration of multiple factors and perspectives.
The question of which government was better for its people, Athens or Sparta, is subjective and depends on various factors. To determine which is better, one must define what better means in the context of government and consider the specific circumstances of each city-state.
First, it is important to define what is meant by "better." Does it mean providing for cultural growth, ensuring the well-being of the citizens, protecting their rights and freedoms, or achieving political stability? Better is a matter of opinion and can differ based on individual perspectives.
Next, one should consider the role of government. Does better imply a government that is more involved in the lives of its citizens or one that has limited interference? Each city-state had a different system of government - Athens being a democracy and Sparta an oligarchy - which had different impacts on the people.
Furthermore, it is crucial to determine who is included in the definition of "the people." Did the government of Athens or Sparta include slaves and other resident non-citizens, or did it include women? The inclusion or exclusion of different groups can significantly impact the assessment of which government was better for its people.
Additionally, one should consider the specific time period being referred to. Athens and Sparta existed in different historical contexts, and the circumstances surrounding their governments may have varied over time.
To fully answer the question, one would need to conduct extensive research on both Athens and Sparta, exploring their respective systems of government, historical context, cultural achievements, treatment of citizens and non-citizens, and the needs of the people. By examining these factors, one can form a judgment as to which government better fulfilled the needs and aspirations of its citizens. However, it is important to recognize that this judgment will still be subjective, as different individuals may prioritize different aspects of governance.