Combining Philosophers

Ideas for Hermarchus, Craig Bourne and Plato

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4 ideas

24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / a. Nature of democracy
Democracy is the worst of good constitutions, but the best of bad constitutions [Plato, by Aristotle]
     Full Idea: Plato judged that when the constitution is decent, democracy is the worst of them, but when they are bad it is the best.
     From: report of Plato (The Statesman [c.356 BCE], 302e) by Aristotle - Politics 1289b07
     A reaction: Aristotle denies that a good oligarchy is superior. What of technocracy? The challenge is to set up institutions which ensure the health of the democracy. The big modern problem is populists who lie.
24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / c. Direct democracy
A good citizen won't be passive, but will redirect the needs of the state [Plato]
     Full Idea: The only responsibility of a good member of a community is altering the community's needs rather than going along with them.
     From: Plato (Gorgias [c.387 BCE], 517b)
24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 7. Communitarianism / a. Communitarianism
Is there anything better for a community than to produce excellent people? [Plato]
     Full Idea: Is anything better for a community than for it to engender women and men who are exceptionally good?
     From: Plato (The Republic [c.374 BCE], 456e)
Education in virtue produces citizens who are active but obedient [Plato]
     Full Idea: Education in virtue produces a keen desire to become a perfect citizen who knows how to rule and be ruled as justice demands.
     From: Plato (The Laws [c.348 BCE], 643e)