Platos Aristocracy and Tyranny Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Platos Aristocracy and Tyranny - Term Paper Example Aristocracy generally refers to a form of government that belongs to combined nobility, hereditary ruling, landed gentry, and a superior group which often thought to be ruled by the best. 1 In the context of The Republic, the ideal state itself Plato called is "aristocracy" (aristos, "best," and krateà ®n, "to rule"), ruled by the best and the guiding principle of this state is the reason of the philosophers (Ross, 2005). It embodies the wisdom of philosopher-kings [Aristocracy†¦] Plato’s affinity for aristocracy may be initially traced from Plato’s family background.   Plato is known to be a son of a wealthy influential Athenian couple who were highly prominent in the aristocratic circle. His articulation on the details of his ideal Aristocracy is definitely influenced not only by the status of his parents but also of himself who was raised and grew in the aristocratic environment. Another factor that may have contributed to Plato’s affinity towards aris tocracy is following the execution of Socrates which took place while a democratic form of government was in place at Athens.   Kreis cited that:Socrates was charged for impiety. Although Socrates was neither a heretic nor an agnostic, there was prejudice against him. Socrates managed to provoke hostility among Athenians and eventually, they executed him.   Socrates execution has devastated Plato, his prime student. Further added, Socrates wrote nothing himself. It was through the writings of his closest friends, Xenophon and Plato that people learned about him.