Ancient philosophy refers to the early Greek and Roman thoughts from classical periods which developed during the fifth century BC. Several philosophers contributed to the people’s understanding of concepts by expressing their minds on human anatomy, the nature of the world, and the perceived value of life. Examples of popular philosophers are Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, and Epicurus (Gardner, 2020). This paper explores the issue of the relationship between the philosopher and the state by investigating how the philosophy of Socrates and Plato took part in the ethical lifestyle of the people who lived during the ancient world.
The early Greek and Roman philosophical schools were considered a way of life because people who existed at that time relied on philosophers to evaluate issues about a given course of action. The ancient philosophy is typically based on pure reasoning, logical expression, and mindful conclusions (Cleland & Mueller, 2017). Philosophers such as Plato utilized a distinct way of solving social problems by challenging people with their lifestyle and then revealing the outcome of their ignorance, negligence, and lack of composure while making decisions.
Plato made a demonstrated expertise on ethical matters that most people did not seem to think about during those times. He introduced the idea that people’s mistakes were due to their shallow engagement in the entities and forms of life (Gardner, 2020). Plato was sensitive to justice, equality, and beauty which gave him a defined ethical argument model. For example, in science, Plato proposed a methodical and rational awareness of issues and how they are interrelated (Cleland & Mueller, 2017). He extended on fairness and moral psychology that required a unique knowledge to pursue. From Plato’s perspective, living a fair life required familiarization with a healthy, sensitive response and agreement between all the parts of the soul (Blyth, 2019). Therefore, the ancient people relied on Plato’s perspective to define what ethical requirements they were supposed to take in social and political interaction.
Plato’s thoughts led to the creation of city-states that helped in forming a diversified government. According to Plato, the conflicting interests of different parts of the government would only be harmonized if the leaders were ready to stop the self-centeredness and impunity that they had during those times. Plato challenged the regime at that time by the fact that the political order was not on equality (Blyth, 2019). He told people that if they wanted a harmonious and unified government, they had to allow the minority to take roles in the administration at the expense of their desires. From this perspective, Plato was rebuked by the key leaders then as he seemed to discourage their uncivilized nature.
Most people followed Plato’s ideas on political justice because he seemed to bring a transformed lifestyle that advocated for freedom of choice among all the people. Plato argues that part of human virtue and bond is the togetherness in society with democracy and rights to provide insights to the government (Cleland & Mueller, 2017). According to the philosopher, proper governance would be effective if the administrators allowed for social and political justice for the people. Plato did not advocate for discrimination in deciding where to place interests in the various undertakings (Gardner, 2020). When many people supported Plato’s ideas, there was a gradual change in the way people were governed though it took a significant time to achieve that.
Another renowned philosopher was Socrates, who made efforts to see the generation of his time did not take chances without proper analysis of issues. Socrates was a staunch advocate of equality and triggered others to have a cognitive-behavioral approach toward whatever encounter they faced (Gardner, 2020). Socrates challenged the ruling regimes during his time as he confidently critiqued the authoritarians for impunity, primitivity, and self-centeredness. Socrates is known for his belief in the philosophy that society can achieve practicality by advanced reasoning based on happiness. He strongly tried to create an ethical scheme for human thinking and logical reasoning rather than theological affiliation. Socrates encouraged people to always choose what motivated them to be happy and gain more wisdom ostensibly. Society learned more from Socrates’ definition of life by conceptualizing the truth about decisive wisdom that would be realized by knowing oneself (Blyth, 2019). If people learn more about themselves, there is a possibility that they will pursue wisely and achieve true happiness in the process.
From Plato’s and Socrates’ points of view, politics is transformed for the better by advocating reasonable policies that were more of democracy and tyranny. That was the system of governance that was adopted by many citizens who wanted to have a knowledgeable leadership style rather than an authoritative one. Some people utilized Plato’s and Socrates’ ideas to know how to choose political leaders to bar possible war rather than intriguing peace (Gardner, 2020). That means people had the decisive mind to select from what appeared to be of pleasure to them. The clarification of political concepts was a preliminary step in evaluating the right options in the policymaking and governance structure.
According to the ancient philosophies, the definition of justice could be the truth-speaking and repaying what one has borrowed. The other definitions that controlled the ethical issues in the ancient society were the quest for loving the country, having fair and admirable manners, and showing respect for Supernatural beings, among other concepts (Thakkar, 2021). Generally, society applied many principles that resulted from the philosophies of the geniuses such as Plato and Socrates (Blyth, 2019). However, Socrates incited people to object to harmful ideas that could lead to adverse effects and poor relationship quality among society members (Gardner, 2020). He argued that even when someone does not do fairness to others, they are not supposed to be paid back by a sword on their back
In the current world, society may learn from the ancient philosophies in various ways to solve the existing battles that individualistic people in leadership roles politically power. From Socrates’ general perspective, the current generation has been taught to question everything rather than assuming someone will execute the role (Cleland & Mueller, 2017). The trigger to interrogate issues comes from the philosopher’s argument that humans would excel if they learn to question themselves and others (Blyth, 2019). It is not a crime to ask why people act the way they do concerning matters that would help prevent a possible collision or distortion of property in society. Insights could prevent a war that people provide concerning various community actions (Gardner, 2020). Therefore, modern society may achieve harmony if they undertake matters to satisfy their emotional happiness.
Both Plato and Socrates were hard to persuade without expanding on the subject. Plato suggested that people should build one another and protect their happiness by being logically free to present their thoughts in given scenarios. Through Plato, the governments can learn to let democracy be a key factor in their regimes. The key lesson that people should apply is balancing what is important and essential to them. When there is a critical analysis of situations, knowledge will be enhanced because individuals will no longer fear learning new skills, ideas, and concepts. The ancient philosophies are useful in the current world as people can draw various ethical practices as they mingle in different sectors that require social interaction.
References
Blyth, D. (2019). Plato and Socrates, sophistic antithesis and skepticism. Plato Journal, 19(4), 25-42. Web.
Cleland, J., & Mueller, C. (2017). What can we learn from Socrates: more questions than answers? European Heart Journal, 38(15), 1128-1131. Web.
Gardner, D. (2020). Becoming Socrates: Political philosophy in Plato’s Parmenides, written by Alex Priou. The Journal for Ancient Greek And Roman Political Thought, 37(2), 364-367. Web.
Thakkar, J. (2021). Rewriting contemporary political philosophy with Plato and Aristotle: An essay on eudemonic politics, written by Paul Scholl Meier. The Journal for Ancient Greek And Roman Political Thought, 38(1), 157-161. Web.