Poltheo

• Socrates


  Ancient Greek Philosopher, Father of Western Philosophy
• Socrates


  • Studied music, gymnastics, and grammar
  • Sculptor
  • Soldier (with distinction)
• Socrates' father was Sophronicus (Sculptor) and his mother was Phaenarete (mid-wife)
• Socrates' contributions to political science

  He was the first philosopher to see the connections and the potential opposition between the search for truth and the world of politics
• Socrates' background and upbringing in Athens

  • Living in a democratic society
  • Athens during a time of great intellectual and cultural flourishing (Pericles' golden age)
  • Witnessing the birth of democracy
  • Exposure to democratic institutions, citizen participation in governance, and political debates
  • Distrust toward certain aspects of democratic governance
• Socrates served in the military as an Athenian Hoplite (Athenian Infantry equipped with spear, shield and armor) and was known as an Athenian strategist and politician
• During the Peloponnesian war, Socrates saved a young man who was his student in philosophy, and this young man later saved Socrates during the Battle of Delium while Socrates was retreating on horseback and injured
• Alcibiades admired Plato and tried to pursue a romantic relationship with the old philosopher Socrates
• Socratic Method


  A method of inquiry developed by Socrates, involving asking a series of questions to encourage critical thinking and arrive at a deeper understanding of a concept or idea
• Socratic Method


  • Dialogue and cross-examination
  • Socrates as an "ignorant inquirer" rather than a teacher
  • Revealing contradictions in the interlocutor's answers
  • Wisdom in recognizing the limitations of human understanding
• Socrates' criticisms of Athenian democracy

  • Majority rule has limitations, as not everyone possesses the necessary skill and wisdom to make informed decisions
  • Potential for demagoguery, where charismatic leaders could sway public opinion through persuasive rhetoric
• Socrates' ideal form of government

  Aristocracy ruled by philosopher-kings, who possess wisdom, virtue, and a deep understanding of justice
• Socrates' ideal form of government

  • Avoiding squandering of resources
  • Emotion-free decision-making
  • Stability and order
  • Minimizing the risk of revolt
• Socrates' life and death influenced Plato's vision of an ideal society, and Plato supported Socrates' notion of aristocracy led by philosopher-kings as the rulers
• Socrates' political philosophy also impacted Aristotle's political writings, although they differed in methods
• Context of Socrates' trial and execution

  • Peloponnesian War and Athens' recent defeat by Sparta
  • Charges against Socrates: corrupting the youth and impiety
  • Trial by a jury of 501 citizens, with a majority vote to convict him
  • Punishment of drinking hemlock
• Although Socrates had the means to escape the trial, he stayed true to his principles and upheld Athens' law, which led to his martyrdom
• Plato, the renowned ancient Greek philosopher, made significant contributions to various areas of philosophy, and his work "The Republic" explores fundamental questions about justice, governance, and the ideal state
• Plato's life events


  • Return to Athens after his study abroad
  • Profound impact of Socrates' life and death on Plato's philosophical outlook
• Plato's Academy


  The first institution of higher learning in the Western World, where Plato's philosophical teachings were imparted to students
• Plato's "The Republic"


  An exploration of justice and the ideal state, featuring Socrates as the main character
• Plato's quest for justice in "The Republic"


  • Justice in the soul: Reason, Spirit, and Appetite
  • Justice in the city: Philosopher-kings, Guardians, and Producers
• Plato's ideal state


  • Philosopher-kings as the ruling class, based on reason, virtue, and a commitment to the common good
  • Three classes: Rulers, Guardians, and Producers
  • Education and justice as crucial elements
  • A utopian vision combining idealism and realism
• Three categories of human nature in Plato's philosophy

  • Logistikon (Reason): Capacity for reasoning, intellect, and critical thinking
  • Thymoeides (Spirit): Emotional vigor, courage, and passion
  • Epithymētikon (Appetite): Craving for physical pleasures
• Education


  Plays a crucial role. The state must cultivate virtuous citizens through rigorous learning
• Justice


  Lies in each class performing its role harmoniously, without infringing on other's functions
• Utopian Vision


  • Envisions both idealism and realism
  • Realism in a sense that it sought to create a just society, where cooperation, happiness and prosperity prevail
  • Idealism in a sense that this remained an aspiration
• Logistikon (Reason)


  The rational aspect of the soul. It embodies our capacity for reasoning, intellect, and critical thinking.
• Thymoeides (Spirit)


  Encompasses emotional vigor, courage, and passion. It includes emotions such as anger, pride, and determination.
• Epithymetikon (Appetite or Desire)


  Pertains to physical desires and appetites. It includes cravings for pleasure, food, and other sensory experiences.
• Slave


  Regarded as a deficiency of reason. Possesses doxa (true belief) but lack logos (rational account). Although they can learn from experience, they cannot give or follow a rational explanation. This reflects an intellectual inferiority.
• Father-son connection


  Plato emphasizes the role of education in shaping individuals. Just as a father guides his son, and just how philosopher-kings guide the state toward justice and virtue.
• Finest forms of regime

  • Monarchy
  • Aristocracy
• Monarchy


  Rule by a single wise and just ruler.
• Aristocracy


  Rule by a group of virtuous and knowledgeable individuals.
• Timocracy (Rule by Honor)


  Honor and duty guide governance. It resembles a benevolent military state, where citizens prioritize honor and discipline.
• Oligarchy (Rule by Wealth)


  Characterized by rule based on wealth and property ownership. The wealthy elite hold power, often leading to inequality and market-based ethics.
• Democracy and Anarchy (Pure Liberty and Equality)


  Democracy involves rule by the people, where citizens vote on laws and decisions. It represents pure liberty and equality, emphasizing individual freedoms. However, excessive democracy can lead to chaos and anarchy.
• Tyranny (Worst)


  Involves rule by fear, without just laws. A tyrant wields absolute power, often suppressing freedom and justice.
• Ideal Polity (Balanced Mixed-Republic)


  Plato proposes an ideal mixed-government called a Polity. This balanced form draws elements from all regimes except tyranny. It aims to maximize virtues (like liberty and equality) while minimizing vices (like illiberty and inequality). Involves monarchial element (rule by one) and democratic element (rule by the people).