The Purpose Of State In Plato’s, Aristotle’s And Aquinas Writing

Plato and Aristotle have different understanding of why the state exists, so they interpret what is the purpose of the state too. In order to understand their different conclusions of political state, we need to be aware of their difference in world’s view and philosophy. Plato believes in absolute truth in terms of morality and politics. Besides, Plato is only able to identify the difference

Plato, whose political view can be found in his writing, Republic, focus on searching a perfect society. Plato thinks the state is a piece of self-regulating piece of machinery. Although Plato does believe a state should bring happiness to majority, he does not recognize that happiness means different to every people in the state. Because his unawareness of the difference between people, Plato automatically assumes that individual soul shares the same three elements with society as a whole which are, ration, reason and appetite. As a result, Plato concludes there is no difference between a just man and a just society, when it comes to searching justice for individuals in the state. Moreover, Plato argues that state is formed for particular purpose. Individual people are not self-sufficient and no one can acquire all the necessities in life. In order to resolve this difficulty, we gather together in order to achieve our common goals. In order to keep the state well functioning, we need people with different professions to work together for common interest. Therefore, not only labors are specialized but also guardians. The Guardians are the rulers that make sure the entire state will be well governed. Therefore, the other people need to follow the guardians in order to keep the state well functioned. In other words, Plato thinks unity of the state is the key to keep most people happy. If everyone plays their own role well, the state will prosper and everyone will be happy.

The government according to Aquisnas should be subject to the Church. Aristotle thinks the state is the highest form of political association, because religion and government is almost the same thing in the days of Aristotle. But in Aquisnas eyes, the Church should have a higher status than state for several reasons. First, the king or state only have the can direct people how to live a life. But in order for men live virtuously, men need God to direct their path. In other words, Aquisnas thinks the stat

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