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1: Plato (427-347 B.C)

Plato was influenced by Socrates' execution and Athens' defeat to develop his ideal state. He proposed three social classes - artisans, soldiers, and philosopher kings - who would each fulfill different human instincts. Children would undergo state education to determine their class. The philosopher kings would rule using logic and philosophy. Aristotle, influenced by scientific inquiry, analyzed existing states and proposed some could evolve for moral development. He classified states based on who ruled and their interests, from monarchy to democracy.

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Tanzeel Hassan
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64 views

1: Plato (427-347 B.C)

Plato was influenced by Socrates' execution and Athens' defeat to develop his ideal state. He proposed three social classes - artisans, soldiers, and philosopher kings - who would each fulfill different human instincts. Children would undergo state education to determine their class. The philosopher kings would rule using logic and philosophy. Aristotle, influenced by scientific inquiry, analyzed existing states and proposed some could evolve for moral development. He classified states based on who ruled and their interests, from monarchy to democracy.

Uploaded by

Tanzeel Hassan
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1: Plato (427-347 B.

C)
Introduction:

 Born in Athens and remained student of Socrates (until his execution)


 Established his Academy
 Wrote three books in Dialogue form: Republic, Statesman, Laws

Plato’s theory of Ideal State/Republic/Philosopher King:

Context:
Two factors influencing Plato’s theory of Ideal State:
1. Execution of Socrates at the hands of Athenian government.
2. Defeat of Athens at the hands of Sparta in Peloponnesian War

Theory:

Plato’s Ideal state as explained in Republic begins with his theory of Justice:
 Human Instinct: Lust, Courage and Wisdom
 Social Classes: Three social Classes of Artisans, Soldiers and Rulers
representation three instincts
 If everyone performs his/her role as per his instinct, then this is justice
In order to implement Justice, Plato proposes Education Scheme in Three
Phases:

 First Phase (Birth-18 Years)


o 0-6 (Infant will be taken care of by state-appointed mother like
food and story-telling)
o 7-18 (Music, Literature, Gymnastics) at state-run schools
 Examination (19-20 years): Those who fail become ARTISANS, those
who pass will move to second phase
 Second Phase (21-35)
o Gymnastic, Maths, Philosophy and Logic
 Examination (Those who fail become Military, those who pass will move
to third phase
 Third Phase (36-50)
o Advanced Philosophy and Logic, Attachment etc
o Those who complete this phase are Rulers
Plato proposes his scheme of Communism for his state

 Communism of Property: No private ownership for upper two classes


 Communism of Family: No private Family for Upper two classes

Conclusion
Criticism
2. Aristotle (384-322 B.C)
Introduction:
 Son of a Physician in Macedonia
 Enrolled in Academy in Athens
 Travelled after the death of Plato
 Returned to Athens and established Lyceum
 The most important work is Polis

Context:
 As son of a physician, influenced by scientific method of enquiry
 He based his theory on Observation and dealt politics accordingly
 Father of Political Science

Theory of State and Classification of State


 Aristotle never meant to develop Ideal state, rather developed an analysis
of existing states and suggested some measures in it.

Nature of State:
 Organic and therefore evolutionary
 Means for which the end is Moral development of people
 Slavery: Institutionalized and rationalized

Classification of States:

Number of Persons General Interests Selfish Interests


ruling
One Monarchy Tyranny
Few Aristocracy Oligarchy
Many Polity Democracy

Cycle of Change:

Criticism and Conclusion

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