Democracy is often referred to as the rule of the many, but Aristotle called this definition incomplete. In his book “Politics”, he explained that in a city if the majorities are aristocrats and if they have political authority, then it is an aristocracy not a democracy. He therefore defined democracy as when “free people have authority and Oligarchy as when the wealthy have it” (1290b). Plato viewed Democracy as a flawed system with too much inefficiency that would make any implementation of a…

surrendering his life. To do this, I will examine the arguments made by Plato to convince Socrates to escape from prison, as well as evaluating Socrates’s arguments against escaping from prison, while arguing that Socrates’s arguments were stronger. I will start by examining Plato’s arguments, and then move into Socrates’s arguments, while pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of both. I will touch on all of Socrates’s main arguments, however I will focus mainly on his argument that committing…

In Republic II, Glaucon and Socrates pose the question of whether justice is intrinsically good, or instrumentally good. Further, the two men wish to discover which life is best - the just life or the unjust one. While Glaucon argues that the unjust life is best, Socrates argues that the just life is truly better. In this paper, I will summarize both Glaucon’s and Socrates’ arguments, and provide a critical analysis of the opposing views. Glaucon begins Republic II by describing different types…

of truths, Socrates in the Clouds has little interest in either exploring the ethical truth or helping others get out of “Plato’s cave”. Instead, he is portrayed as a sophist who corrupts people with mysterious and useless knowledge, ignores traditional Athenian education, and debilitates Athenian men. Compared to Plato’s focus on Socrates’s wisdom reflected in the dialogue, the Clouds is a distorted interpretation of Socrates’s elenchus. Rather than justifiably criticizing Socrates, Aristophanes…

Republic of Plato, Plato, in addition to sharing his views on justice, shares his views on democracy using a fictionalized Socrates to outline the most pressing issues. Plato’s views on democracy are negative; he believes democracy to be bred from a response to inequality of wealth and to heighten all of humanities worst traits. Plato believes democracy leads to unequipped leaders who hold offices and power without the necessary traits and preparation. The main issue Plato has with democracy, as outlined…

ABSTRACT. This paper seeks to reject Socrates ' arguments against Thrasymachus ' account of the just and unjust in Plato 's Republic, and, in doing so, show that Thrasymachus ' account is in fact a coherent and plausible account of justice. I begin by describing the context of Socrates and Thrasymachus ' argument and what it would take for Socrates to overcome the Thrasymachian account. I then describe the Thrasymachian account and argue for its coherence. I attack the Socratic method of deconstructing…

Analogy of Plato and Aristotle Aristotle and Plato were each great intellectual however their views on life are totally different. Plato was born round the year 428 BCE in Athens. (Plato) Plato was then introduce to was introduced to philosophy by Socrates in 469-399 B.C.( Plato)Who then became is mentor, however Socrates died , however shortly after his mentor die he had an an inspiration to induce his into politics this then lead him to be educated in Mediterranean. Plato then started…

dialogue “Crito,” Socrates is awaiting his execution in prison when his friend Crito comes to convince him to escape. Socrates argues against Crito with his belief being that escaping from prison would by an unjust act. It is Socrates’ belief that you should never commit an injustice act for any reason, and that it is in your best interest to act justly. In the arguments presented in “Crito,” we see Socrates’ belief as underlying factor and recurring theme. Crito goes to see Socrates and starts by letting…

Socrates had different views from the Athenians. He believed that democracy wouldn 't work in their society, nor in any society. He doesn 't believe that the people are capable of governing themselves. Socrates and Plato believed that the common man was too stupid, to say the least, to govern him/herself and to have a say in society. Socrates was in pursuit or truth his entire life. In his eyes, how could he let someone have the capabilities to make their own decisions with the potential for an…

on Socrates came from one of his own disciples, Plato. Plato’s writings are the reason Socrates is historical figure he is today, without them Socrates would have been nothing more than a minor presence (Navia 93). Plato’s writings are classified as either early, middle, or late. However, only the early writings best portray the real Socrates (Navia 105). These writings include the Euthyphro, Crito, Phaedo, and most importantly the Apology, which discusses the trial and execution of Socrates. Similarly…