Aristotle & Plato 9/8/14- 9/9/14

Aristotle’s Politics With your partner read the document titled Aristotle’s Politics NOT Plato. Use a plastic sheet to annotate the doc You will receive Aristotle & Plato Close Reading Questions (pg 16A-B in your index) You will be answering questions 1 & 2 on Aristotle and then we will share your answers.

1. Identify Claims: According to Aristotle, what is the key feature of a just (good) government? What is the key feature of a bad (perversion) government? 2. Identify. According to Aristotle, what are the three just (good) forms of government? Good Gov’tBad Gov’t

Identify claims: According to Aristotle, what is the key feature of a just (good) government? What is the key feature of a bad (perversion) government? Identify. According to Aristotle, what are the three just (good) forms of government? Good Gov’tBad Gov’t Makes decisions based on what’s good for the ppl Makes decisions based on what’s good for a few ppl 1. Kingship: 1 person 2. Aristocracy (nobles): a few people 3. Constitutional Democracy: lots of people

Answer 3 & 4. Focus on the REASONS Aristotle gives for his opinions. Do not go on to #5.

Explain: According to Aristotle, what is the worst of the good forms of government? Why is this? Identify: According to Aristotle, what are the three bad (perversion) forms of government?

Here be some complexity…

Analyze: In what ways do you think the ideas expressed in Aristotle’s Politics influenced Western political thought? This will be graded with the critical thinking rubric!

Set up Pg. 14A: Types of Government like this- 1 Person 2-10 people All the People One Few Many Academic Vocabulary: To What Extent- how much one thing is like or part of something else. We say… “to what extent (How much) are the people in charge in these governments….” Gov’t TypeGood VersionBad Version Using the Aristotle reading, can you figure out the two versions (good and bad) of the three types of government?

Types of Government 1 Person 2-10 people All the People One Few Many Academic Vocabulary: To What Extent- how much one thing is like or part of something else. We say… “to what extent (How much) are the people in charge in these governments….” Government TypeGood VersionBad Version Kingship/Monarchy- Rule by an educated king who uses reason and cares for his people Oligarchy- Rule by a small group of people, usually people with military power and money Constitutional Democracy- People rule themselves Mob Rule- A crazy mob rules with violence and terror Aristocracy- Nobles rule with wisdom and a care for their people Tyranny- Rule by one person with all the power who only makes decisions to benefit himself.

Now on to Plato… Plato is going to talk about the Philosopher King, and what qualities he should have through a discussion with Glaukon (Plato’s older brother)

Plato ( BCE) The son of wealthy and influential Athenian parents, Plato began his philosophical career as a student of Socrates. In his written works, he attempted to capture the conversational tone of learning under Socrates by writing his ideas and philosophies in a Dialog with his greatest teacher. In these dialogs, Plato discusses many complex issues from many different angles that rarely come to a single conclusion.

1. Summarize: According to Socrates/Plato, what change must happen for the gov’ts of the world to become more fair and just? 2. Describe. According to Socrates/Plato, what is a philosopher (ie. what features do philosophers possess)?

Summarize: According to Socrates/Plato, what change must happen for the governments of the world to become more fair and just? Describe. According to Socrates/Plato, what is a philosopher (ie. what features do philosophers possess)?

Discuss: Looking at Plato’s definition of a philosopher, why would a philosopher make a good leader? Explain: How is Socrates/Plato’s idea to fix the governments of the world received by Glaukon? Why do you think this is?

Analyze: In what ways do you think the ideas expressed in Plato’s Republic influenced Western political thought? This sentence frame may help you get started: Plato’s Republic discusses the concept of _______ when he says _______________. This can also be seen in Western Political Thought, in that we believe___________________. These ideas are connected because…. Hint: Who does the Philosopher King remind you of in American Government?

Takeaways from this lesson Pg 17A Greek Traditions in Democracy- Please record these on a piece of binder paper. You will use them to study for the quiz. People have the ability to use reason to solve problems Leaders need to be educated and to care about ALL their people Even the leader should follow the law (Rule of Law) Voting is a good system for letting people make decisions People have good judgment, so letting them decide a case with a jury works Three Branches of Government: Legislative to make laws, Executive to enforce laws, and Judicial to decide the laws