Plato, Aristotle and Democracy

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the abstract ideology of democracy that both Plato and Aristotle deem to be a good form of government, but not one that can exist in reality. The paper shows how both philosophers have similar definitions of democracy that provide an ideological, yet impractical form of governing within modern American democratic principles.

From the Paper:

"One governmental aspect of Plato's Republic revolves around ruling for the greater good or "democratic" society in the well-ordered soul. The basis for the well ordered soul for Plato and Socrates is related the central concept of the common or greater good of an ideal society in The Republic. However, the natural order of the soul demands a conception of the 'general welfare' of society, which depicts the idea of the common good, as present in Plato's city. This law of 'suffering' for the just and civil greater good of society is the precept of modern law, but Plato argues that human nature rejects suffering in the 'reality' of governmental procedure (Plato 43)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Aristotle. Politics. New York: Dover Publications, 2000.
• O'Connor, Karen. American Government; Continuity and Change. New York: Longman, 2005.
• Plato. Trans. C.D.C. Reeve. The Republic. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 2004.

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