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Ideal State of Aristotle

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His political thought, is a mixture of the elements of political ideals and political actualities. His books II, III, VIII of politics deal with political ideas whereas books IV, V and VI deals with political actualities.  In the description of his ideal state, Aristotle clearly felt the impact of Plato’s laws rather than his Republic.  Sabine says that what Aristotle calls the ideal state is always Plato’s second best state.  Before dealing the ideal state of Aristotle, it may be noted that he was not an absolutist like Plato.  For example if a community has a single outstanding person with predominant virtue – Monarchy shall be an ideal government. If it possesses a few men of virtue –Aristocracy is best suited government.  If it possesses many people have the ability to rule the best government is Polity.  If we look at all these observation of Aristotle, we conclude that he rules out Monarchy as an ideal state because in it the ‘god among men’ cannot be...
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Communism of Wives and Property

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An important aspect of Plato’s political thought is communism of wives and property. The concept of communism was not known to Greeks, but both in Athens and Sparta a little of communism can be seen. He thought that, Guardian class must be free from physical uncertainties so they can focus on public service. He asserted that, during the acquisition of property and family would stand in the way of philosopher king to take proper decision about the community. Plato said that mixture of political and economic power was restricted to lead to corruption and deprivation in the state and an operative system of administration could operate only when economic power was absolutely separated from political power. Baker said that the think of communalism by Plato was an important step in his thinking. According to Prof. Sabine “So firmly was Plato convinced of pernicious effect of wealth upon Government that he saw no way to abolish the evil except by abolishing wealth itself, so far as the soldie...
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