This 7 page paper discusses the philosphy of political theoriests such as Plato and Machiavelli in regards to power. Some believed power served knowledge while others believed it served tyranny. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Name of Research Paper File: D0_GSpoliti.rtf
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Both of these men realized that tyranny was not beneficial to the state but was a clear result of the needs of the people not being met. While Plato
referred to this more as corruption of the people of knowledge and Machiavelli believed it to be a result of centralized control, both men believed that the resulting tyranny could
only prove to repress the state as opposed to uplifting it. It is indeed interesting to see how their ideas
of democracy and rule both share similarities and differences from our own political system, and yet their ideas of democracy gone awry is indeed the result of that which our
society maintains is quite unlikely, at least in concept. Political Theory of Plato and Machiavelli Plato did not adhere to
the idea of democracy in the sense of the American system (Platos Political Theory, 2002). Instead, he came up with his own system which he believed embodied the ideals
he strove to achieve (Platos Political Theory, 2002). This system was based upon three distinct classes: * The Merchant Class, which did the work and provided
societys goods (Platos Political Theory, 2002). They were satisfied with their lives and held back from being passionate natured (Platos Political Theory, 2002). * The Military Class,
which defends the country and its citizens (Platos Political Theory, 2002). They are not able to own land or to have family, and in this way Plato believed they
would always be loyal to the state (Platos Political Theory, 2002). * The Philosophers, who would rule the state (Platos Political Theory, 2002). Plato believed this class