Plato's idea of philosopher kings and Aristotle's governing laws (polis) could have been put together that may form a more reasonable ideal state. Imagine a city composed of citizens who are all of well education. All could be philosophers. Notice that I used could. The main deciding factor that will lead a person to the hunt for more knowledge and to become a philosopher king is the actual will of that person. He/She may be brightest in all the world but if that person doesn't want to be a leader. Then the way he/she will lead will not be as great as a person who does.
Back to the main topic. If a wise few were to control a city of educated people who could become philosophers then possibilities of an unpredictable yet a prosperous future could arise.
I think that the person should want to be a leader. Even if he or she had the skills and abilities to be a good leader, but did NOT want to lead, then his skills would be useless.
ReplyDeleteBut I agree with the statement above. If the ideas of Plato and Aristotle were put together maybe a more advanced city would be the result.