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The Philosopher King - 2423 Words

â€Å"If the choice is between a blind person and a sharp-sighted one, isn’t it clear which one we’ll need? (Plato 203). The image of the philosopher king was thoroughly described in Plato’s Republic, but the perfect ruler or philosopher king has transformed throughout history and are influenced by historical events. First, the description of a perfect ruler in an ideal society in Plato’s Republic will be the first comparison and the basis of a philosopher king. Second, Marcus Aurelius, who was described as the first philosopher king wrote Meditations and it expresses his own thoughts and beliefs which can ultimately reflect his actions. Lastly, Notker’s account of Charlemagne can be used to examine a king who may not always be recognized as a philosopher king, but Charlemagne is described as a great ruler who valued learning and philosophy. These three examples are from different time periods and so their perception and lifestyles are different in some aspects. Likewise, all three accounts are from different viewpoints because the Republic is not examining one specific person, but an ideal individual. Marcus Aurelius wrote about himself and his beliefs and values are examined to determine philosopher king characteristics. Lastly, Notker’s writing is a secondary source and Notker did not know Charlemagne personally. Therefore, Notker’s account is praising a king who he did not know, but Charlemagne is remembered as an ideal ruler and Notker lists Charlemagne’s accomplishments andShow MoreRelatedThe Dividing Lien of Platos Allegory of the Cave Essay2647 Words   |  11 Pagesforms begin. Plato states that this line divides the visual world we live in, the world of the shadows, and the intelligible world, the world of the forms. â€Å"Understand, then, that as we said, there are two things, one sovereign of the intelligible king and place, the other the visible.† (Plato) In the visible world the â⠂¬Å"good† is exemplified by the Sun. Without the sun shedding light to the objects around us, we would not be able to fully understand them; much like how the form of the good is neededRead MorePhilosopher King Essay640 Words   |  3 Pages1. Who is the Philosopher King - the ideal rulers, philosophers who become kings 2. Why is he the ideal ruler – Plato believes the PK is the ideal ruler because they will govern with virtue and justice with no hidden agenda, the PK loves learning, knowledge, truth 3. Why should he be compelled to rule – because a true philosopher will love the pursuit of truth, will be indifferent to the pleasures of the body, will not be interested in money, will not think human life is anything of great importanceRead MoreSocrates as Philosopher King Essay1709 Words   |  7 Pagesstories of great men.   Hundreds of politicians, philosophers, performers, and writers have left a unique stamp on humanity.   But only a select few can be said to have changed history.   The legendary Athenian, Socrates, was one such figure.   Socrates ushered in an era of philosophical inquiry that still lingers to this day.   In Book Seven of Platos The Republic, Socrates outlines his perfect regime.   According to Socrates, an enlightened Philosopher-King must rule such a regime.   Now suppose thisRead MorePlatos Ideas About Philosopher Kings Depicted in Republic Essay1698 Words   |  7 Pagesphilosophy would allow man to see what was good and just. Ther efore to cure the ills of society it would be necessary to either make kings philosophers or make philosophers kings. I intend to show how Plato justifies this view and then attempt to point out some possible problems with this justification and to forward my own view that the people should ultimately be king. Platos starting point was his recognition that justice was one of four cardinal virtues, along with wisdom, courage and moderationRead MorePlato’s View of Division of Labor in Plato’s Republic Essay994 Words   |  4 Pagesgreatest wisdom or knowledge of good. Due to that, Plato claims that â€Å"philosopher must become kings or those now who called kings must genuinely and adequately philosophise’’ (Nussbaum1998, p.18). However, people argue about the reasons that the philosopher should rule the city, while the philosophers prefer to gain knowledge instead of power, thus they don’t seek this authority. Therefore, the argument should alter to why the philosophers are the best ruler to govern people. Indeed, Plato states muchRead MoreA Critical Analysis Of Citizen Life In Platos The Republic1552 Words   |  7 PagesThis philosophical study will compare the two paradigmatic regimes of the aristocracy and tyranny and also provide a critical analys is of citizen life in Plato’s The Republic. The similarities between Socrates’ definition of the Philosopher King of the aristocracy and the tyrant are that a single ruler governs over the republic. In some ways, the empowerment of a single individual provides a catalyst for an aristocratic engagement of the nobleman to support this form of governance. In these seeminglyRead MoreThe Republic, By Plato1500 Words   |  6 Pagesby Socrates stand solid. Three main concepts will be delved into in a chronological order, those being philosophers and imitators, perceptive reality and absolute knowledge, with the analysis of the true meaning, and the implications raised by the statements, followed by noting possible flaws within the arguments. Such structure allows us to clearly comprehend the arguments for a philosopher king at its simplest form and ensures the possibility to note any incongruities within. It gives us the abilityRead MoreWhat Makes A Good Ruler?1506 Words   |  7 PagesTwo of my favorite philosophers, Plato and Machiavelli, although very different both attempt to give an answer of what makes a good ruler. Plato’s Philosopher King and Machiavelli’s Prince share their similarities and differences, but in the end Machiavelli paints a more realistic picture of a ruler which makes his prince more favorable. In order to understand why Machiavelli’s Prince may be more appealing than Plato’s Philosopher king, we must 1st come to understand what the King and the Prince lookRead MoreThe Republic By Plato Vs. Plato1299 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"The philosopher, with his passion for wisdom, will be one who desires all wisdom† and† knowledge of the whole of truth and reality†, making him â€Å"fit to be in control of commonwealth† (Cornford 182,180,190). In essence, Plato advocates for the most intelligent, forward-thinking person to be in power because he is able to seek knowledge and truth, allowing him to objectively make the perfect decision for the commonwealth. Moreover, Plato justifies that an aristocracy where a philosopher king is theRead MoreThe Philosophy Of Socrates And Dr. Martin Luther King933 Words   |  4 Pagesemotional words that were spewed on paper by Dr. Martin Luther King while detained in Birmingham Jail. The philosophy of Socrates and Dr. Martin Luther King are grounded in peace. Both philosophers are faced with conflict from the laws put in place by the society that they are in. The purpose of this essay is to compare how each philosopher discusses the concept of law. The fictional tales of Socrates was inspiration to the belated Dr. King as he strived to challenge the status quo set for society. Throughout

Greek and Roman Architecture Free Essays

Running Head: Greek and Roman Architecture Greek and Roman Architecture By: Michelle Garrotters Art 101 November 2nd, 2008 Head: Greek and Roman Architecture Compare the characteristics and innovation of each Greek and Roman Architecture. The Greek and Roman architecture is very impressive for not only their time but also in our time today. The Greek architecture uses the columns in almost all of their temples. We will write a custom essay sample on Greek and Roman Architecture or any similar topic only for you Order Now The shapes of the columns were extremely important to the Greeks. They used three different types of columns. The â€Å"Doric†, â€Å"Ionic†, and the â€Å"Corinthian†. All of these columns have a center piece that would be for displaying their Greek God(s) with what ever decorations. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is an example of â€Å"Corinthian† columns. The Temple of Poseidon is an example of â€Å"Doric† columns, and Athens is an example of â€Å"Ionic† columns. The Greeks usually built with either mud, wood, plaster, and/or stone. Most of their buildings have not stood the test of time. Only temples made with marble or limestone these were built as objects of art honoring their different gods. These have been able to withstand the damage that time brings. The Roman architecture used mostly arches in their works. Which held more weight than the columns. Yes they used columns but only as decoration because of the weight. The Pantheon in Rome is a great example of this architecture. This building housed two kings and is one of the biggest surviving building in Rome. Romans used the same materials as the Greeks especially the Marble and Limestone. But they perfected the use of concrete, which is what most of their structures are made with. Most of the Romans buildings that are still preserved today are amphitheaters, bathhouses, aqueducts, and public housing. Unlike the Greeks the Romans did their buildings with lots of ornate on both inside and outside reflecting the â€Å"Pursuit of Pleasure† which is an essential part of the Roman culture. In summary, Greek architecture is more rectilinear and of â€Å"post and lintel† construction. Greek buildings usually rectilinear, consisted off pediment supported by columns on a plinth for a base. Romans mastered the arch and the dome. Concrete made it possible to have more complex forms. Columns were used in both with the Greek favoring the Doric and Ionic for the cleaner lines. While the Romans preferred to use the more ornate Corinthian style columns. How to cite Greek and Roman Architecture, Papers