Plato The Best Political Order 03 19 2013 Justice is the foundation Concerned w the common good is to the advantage of everyone Uses a system of checks balances that does not favor any side Considers interests of all social groups Social peace more important than peace obtained by victory of one part over another peace in social diversity The harmonious union of diff social classes each benefits from the other to add to the common good Philosophical aristocracy monarchy The Gov of Philosopher Rulers Criticizes a direct unchecked democracy w excessive freedom o Equality means power seeking people motivated by personal gain are brought into politics lacks leaders w proper skills is highly corruptible Politics needs carefully selected trained expert rulers Plato is pessimistic about humans driven by appetites egotistic passions informed by false beliefs Philosophers know the diff b t true false love knowledge are motivated by the common good they can fix society s ills Rulers will live modestly in pay live dine among their people Brightest most stable promising children selected for rigorous educational training knowledge of the just noble good Create a community where social classes are equal each shares benefits w the others so people are less motivated by personal advantageous ambitions Freedom justice friendship wisdom courage moderation Restrictions on the rulers not the ruled Authority based on consent of the governed Rulers mediate b t conflicting interests Pursue happiness but not expense of others Happiness of all not just the majority Each social class receives a proper distribution of benefits burdens perform what they are best fit to do 03 19 2013 03 19 2013
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