who thinks plato's philosopher kings might be quite nice?

Answer 1

What the above crew needs to note is that the philosopher-king described must be the "true philosopher," which is further explained in the next two books (6 and 7). The true philosopher must also be wise and virtuous, and it is only with these conditions that such a person could see/know the Good. Hence, the problem with knowing ethical precepts but not doing them or having your soul in such a state as to desire and pleasure in doing them (Aristotle's point) isn't an issue for the philosopher-king. For the knowledge could only come to the one who has already organized his soul in the proper manner.

Who wouldn't wish to be ruled by such a person? It is like being ruled by God, which is the point behind the image of the demonic (Greek for what we would call angelic) rulers in the "golden age," in the Statesman and in the Laws. The significance is that wisdom and virtue are divine, and rulers who are wise and virtuous would be like gods for people.

Aristotle and later Thomas Aquinas say the same thing . . . that it would be just and correct to be ruled by such a person, were he to exist.

For being ruled by a better will make one better. The Greek aim was not for self-determination, no matter what, but for excellence and self-betterment . . . and for the vast majority of us, a good and wise authority could help us to become better.

Answer 2

Not me.

Despite what Plato asserts, it does not follow that knowing what is Good, or what is True, equips one for being able to govern effectively. That begs many questions, not least one about whether or not humans need strong government at all, let alone how knowing what is Good (or True) makes you more able to govern people.

If kings are bad - and I think they are - then the fact that they also happen to be philosophers does not make them any more attractive. Less so, in fact, as the intellectual classes will be inclined to cut them more slack if they're impressed by how smart the kings are supposed to be.

Martin Sheen's character in The West Wing is a lovely fantasy. But I don't want him as President, any more than I want the mean-minded incompetent who currently has the job.

Answer 3

i'm able to do a number of those: a million. i might think of so. Aristotle additionally taught of the potential of philosophy, saying that 'the unexamined existence isn't worth residing,' so i think of he'd help that. 2. The Roman republic grew to become into democratic (leaving out slaves), jointly as the Etruscans have been a monarchy. 3. a. people ought to easily be consul for a 300 and sixty 5 days previously stepping down for ten years. b. there have been 2 consuls so as that one ought to verify the different's determination. c. Politicians have been obliged to serve extremely some positions (quaestor, aedile, praetor) previously they could be consul. it somewhat is asserted as the cursus honorum. 4. The republic grew to grow to be an emperor by using fact Caesar grew to become into appointed to 10-3 hundred and sixty 5 days and then to lifelong rule. 5. The jury equipment, having expert attorneys, using witnesses, the presumption of innocence and having magistrates. 6-11: uncertain, merely comprehend lots approximately Rome.

Answer 4

I wouldn't mind Representatives with the highest levels of philosophical education, especially morals and ethics, amongst education in every field relevant to having the best possible, most effective, transparent, open, non-oppressive good government.

I would NOT enjoy Representatives, rulers or kings, regardless of quality, education or even effectiveness, who feel the ends justify the means, who feel they can do whatever they want regardless of ethical or moral considerations, who have no qualms oppressing dissent, or feel they can either lie away or completely cover up any activities they do, regardless of party.

Answer 5

BS justification for medivalisms. No, there are no ideal statesman-- Plato could barely theorize one, by his BS dialectical methods.

You ever read the Statesman? You know how Plato justifies this BS? He STIPULATES that humans once existed in a world with God, and now that the God has left, we ***should*** imitate the way it was >__________>

fkn BS-ocracy.

Answer 6

I do (not that I would not be able to understand why others simply wouldn't).