... Philosophy, Ideology, Science: New York: Macmillan, 1961 and took a stroll down the "philosophical memory lane". In order to compare the political theories of two great philosophers of politics we need to examine each theory in depth. Plato is regarded by many experts as the first writer of political philosophy, and Aristotle is recognized as the first political scientist. They each had ideas of how to improve ... existing societies during their individual lifetimes. It is necessary to look at several areas of each theory to seek the difference in each. The main focus of Plato is a perfe...

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... to look at several areas of each theory to seek the difference in each. The main focus of Plato is a perfect society. He creates a vision for a utopian society, in his book The Republic. This vision was a sketch of a society in which the problems he thought were present in his society would be solved. Plato wanted to cure the afflictions of both human society and human personality. Essentially ... and making it a perfect society. He just wants to improve it. Rather than to produce a vision of the perfect society like Plato did, Aristotle suggested that the society itself should try and fi...

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• Grade Level: High School

... detrimental to his empire will be vices. Machiavelli did not so much redefine the term "virtue- but placed it in the perspective of a realist. In a certain sense, perhaps Thrasymachus was right when he said, "justice or right is simply what is in the interest of the stronger party."" (The Republic, Plato, pg. 19) If by "right- one could mean what furthers oneself and one's people. If, in a ... realistic interpretation of the word, "virtue- also means what will bring one's prosperity, then "virtue- ... is also in the interest of the stronger party if his course of action is in his best ...

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• Grade Level: High School

... , " it turns out that doing one's work is justice- (Plato 180). Justice can only be executed when people perform those functions naturally mandated to them, as this ensures the total good of the city. Thus, Plato divides the city into two socioeconomic groups: the common people, the farmers and craftsmen who control the wealth of the republic, and the guardians who by virtue of their nature and superior education are vested with ... the responsibility of ruling and protecting the citizens. This stratification of society, and unequal distribution of power is ... ...

• Word Count: 1970
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... , " it turns out that doing one's work is justice- (Plato 180). Justice can only be executed when people perform those functions naturally mandated to them, as this ensures the total good of the city. Thus, Plato divides the city into two socioeconomic groups: the common people, the farmers and craftsmen who control the wealth of the republic, and the guardians who by virtue of their nature and superior education are vested with ... the responsibility of ruling and protecting the citizens. This stratification of society, and unequal distribution of power is ... ...

• Word Count: 1909
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... society in his book "The Republic". The purpose of his thought process was to cleanse his society of the woes he felt plagued it and construct a new one. Plato lived during the Peloponnesian War, which consequently lead to the end of the Athenian democracy. He had eyewitness account of his mentor's (Socrates) trial and execution. Bitter and angered by the political corruption that gripped the Athenian democratic government, he ... is flexible, part liberal and part conservative. Plato's ideal society is so difficult to conceive that Aristotle believes that no human being can achieve its...

• Word Count: 2280
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• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... between its members, or any peoples related by treaty would form a single city; in this way, Aristotle rejects the minimalist conception of the function of a city described by Glaucon in Book II of Plato's Republic and later endorsed by Epicurus and by Hobbes. Rather, the function of a city is to enable the citizens to live well, and this requires the development in them and the reinforcement of virtues of thought and character ... , through the educational system and through its laws. [COMMENT: Aristotle ... ...

• Word Count: 1587
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• Grade Level: Undergraduate