1. How did the governments favored by Plato and Aristotle differ? Which view makes more sense to you?
A: The government favored by Plato consisted of classes and categorization, whereas Aristotle's favored form of government was a constitutional one. Thus, Aristotle's view makes more sense to me.
John C. Calhoun proposed the following to assert states’ right:
Plato and Aristotle had differing views on the ideal form of government. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of their differences and my personal perspective:
1. Plato's Government: Plato believed in a government based on a hierarchical classification of individuals into three classes: the ruler class, the warrior class, and the working class. The rulers were philosopher-kings, chosen based on their intellectual capabilities and wisdom. Plato believed that this government structure would ensure the most just and efficient ruling.
2. Aristotle's Government: In contrast, Aristotle favored a constitutional government. He believed in a government system where power is distributed among different branches and political offices. Aristotle argued that a constitutional government would ensure a balance of power and prevent the concentration of authority in the hands of a few.
3. Different Approaches: Plato's government focused on class divisions and a ruling elite, whereas Aristotle emphasized a more inclusive and balanced government structure. Plato's view relied on the assumption that a select few possess inherent wisdom and should govern, while Aristotle believed that a wider range of individuals could contribute to a well-functioning government.
4. Personal Perspective: Personally, I find Aristotle's view to be more sensible. His emphasis on a constitutional government promotes a system where power is not concentrated in the hands of a chosen few. This allows for a more inclusive decision-making process and reduces the risk of abuse of power. Aristotle's approach also acknowledges the value of different perspectives within a society, making it more adaptable and representative of diverse voices.
To understand how the governments favored by Plato and Aristotle differ, let's examine each of their viewpoints.
1. Plato: Plato believed in a hierarchical society consisting of three classes - the rulers, the warriors, and the producers. According to Plato, the rulers, who were wise and knowledgeable, should govern the society. The warriors acted as the defenders of the state, while the producers were responsible for meeting the material needs of the society. Plato's ideal government, as described in his work "The Republic," was a form of authoritarianism led by philosopher-kings.
2. Aristotle: In contrast, Aristotle favored a constitutional form of government. He believed in a mixed government system that combined elements of democracy, aristocracy, and monarchy. According to Aristotle, the best form of government should be based on the interests of the middle class, as they were balanced and less likely to promote self-interest. Aristotle emphasized the importance of a system of checks and balances, where power would be distributed among different branches of government.
Now, regarding which view makes more sense, it is a subjective judgment. Both Plato and Aristotle had contrasting perspectives on the ideal government, with Plato favoring a more centralized and hierarchical structure, while Aristotle advocated for a balanced and mixed system. The "sense" of each view depends on one's values and beliefs about power, governance, and individual rights.
As an AI, I do not hold personal opinions, but I can provide you with information and help you analyze the arguments and reasoning behind each viewpoint. Ultimately, the decision of which view makes more sense to you is subjective and based on your understanding and values.