Learning Journal Unit 1

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Apr 3, 2024

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Learning Journal Unit 1 Classical Greek Philosophy is the bedrock of all Western Philosophy. Renowned thinkers such as Socrates, Aristotle and Plato discussed and debated about politics, morality, psychology among other concepts and their ideas hold relevance even today. Referring to your readings, answer the following questions, What were the views of Greek Philosophers on democracy? Democracy is a form of government where the people have greater authority than the officials in a city or a nation. It was established to make sure that citizens could voice their opinions and weren't just mindless mouthpieces ( Democracy definition & meaning, n.d. ) The common good, or the welfare of all its members, was considered by the Greeks to be the ultimate goal of society. They believed that people needed to be guided by moral values and strong ethical convictions in order to accomplish this goal. Their conviction that ethics and politics were intricately intertwined and that public servants ought to lead by example by pursuing the common good reflected this. Particularly Socrates was renowned for his method of examining and discussing political and philosophical matters. He believed that politics should be about producing morally upright people and positively impacting society, not only about retaining power. He used a dialectical method, examining opposing viewpoints and posing questions in order to better grasp moral and political dilemmas. One of the most well-known theorists in Western thinking, Plato was a student of Socrates. His teacher's views tremendously influenced him, and he wrote a great deal about politics and ethics. In "The Republic," his best-known work, Plato explored the nature of justice, the function of the philosopher-king, and the ideal state. He believed that morality and community-serving behavior should be instilled in people and that the state should be created to advance the common good. Plato believed that the philosopher was the most suitable person to lead the state since he had the wisdom and understanding to decide what was best for the populace. These ideas are still being studied and debated today because of their lasting influence on Western political theory. Similar to Socrates, Aristotle believed that the goal of politics should be to create morally upright citizens and further the common good. According to him, communities are inherently formed by people, and since the state, or political community, is responsible for the welfare of all of its citizens, it is the best kind of community. Additionally, he believed that people should be inspired to pursue the highest good and act in the community's best interests. Ethics and morality should be taught to children from a young age. Therefore, a healthy society was seen by the Greeks as one that was governed by moral principles and strong ethical rules. They believed that in order to achieve the general well-being of the community, governments should act in the interests of the people and citizens should be guided by moral principles. Greek political philosophy and ethics were defined in part by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, whose ideas have persisted in contemporary Western political theory.
What are your own views on democracy in the modern world? There is still a lot of discrimination in our society today. For example, if you immigrate to the United States, you can only run for vice president rather than president. Though it shouldn't be tolerated, this is a fact of life and will always be perceived as discrimination. In America, it is preferred to keep criminals and the destitute in place rather than admit decent, honest workers who are prepared to work, build a future, pay taxes, and obey the law. Although I am aware of human rights, I do not believe they are just or morally appropriate. The country of America is in dire need of laborers, and the homeless are not helping. In addition, women's influence in politics has grown, but it's still uncommon to see female leaders in society; for example, there has never been a first- lady US president, which is a great pity in my view. Again, this is just my own perspective, but I believe that we should be able to see the potential that everyone has when they have the correct talents, rather than focusing on where someone was born or what gender they are. References: Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Democracy definition & meaning . Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/democracy#:~:text=%3A%20a %20government%20in%20which%20the,involving%20periodically%20held%20free %20elections Makeup & Breakup. (2018, November 2). Socrates, Plato and Aristotle – Philosophical Thoughts of three great thinkers . https://makeupandbreakup.com/2018/11/02/socrates-plato-and- aristotle-philosophical-thoughts-of-three-great-thinkers/
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