Plato and Aristotle Private Property and The Ability to Rule
There are very few figures in the history of philosophy that have been as influential as the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle. Aristotle was even a student of Plato’s, having studied under him for over 20 years. However, both men still held opposing views when it came to certain views about how the state should be ruled. One such view was on the ability to own private property and the ability to rule. Plato’s, The Republic and Aristotle’s, the Politics of Aristotle illustrates both philosophers’ ideal states of regime. It is also where we get a clear view on the different opinions both men have on the subject of ruling and ownership. Plato believed that the abolishment of Private property was necessary especially for the Guardians and the auxiliaries. While Aristotle on the other hand, criticized the abolition of private property, believing that people should be able to own their own property. In order to further understand their views we must first understand what exactly private property is. Private property is defined as the ownership of property
by non-governmental legal entities.
In Plato’s The Republic, we get an understanding that he favored a more totalitarian type of living. It could be argued that Plato’s ideal state allows for very little freedom of expression, little diversity, and a stubborn commitment to a Spartan-like regimentation of social life. However, Plato’s political visions differed from a totalitarian state in a few ways. He makes clear that freedom is one of the main values of society. Other values for which Plato saw fit for his society included justice, friendship, wisdom, courage, and moderation, and not factionalism or terror which can be associated with a totalitarian state. He believed that the leader should be a philosopher-king who knows the ideal of justice, has a clear understanding of what is right, productive, efficient, and beautiful. If this person leads and others follow his or her directives, the state
by non-governmental legal entities.
In Plato’s The Republic, we get an understanding that he favored a more totalitarian type of living. It could be argued that Plato’s ideal state allows for very little freedom of expression, little diversity, and a stubborn commitment to a Spartan-like regimentation of social life. However, Plato’s political visions differed from a totalitarian state in a few ways. He makes clear that freedom is one of the main values of society. Other values for which Plato saw fit for his society included justice, friendship, wisdom, courage, and moderation, and not factionalism or terror which can be associated with a totalitarian state. He believed that the leader should be a philosopher-king who knows the ideal of justice, has a clear understanding of what is right, productive, efficient, and beautiful. If this person leads and others follow his or her directives, the state