Brandon Owens. Socratic. Feb. 13, 2007
Fellow Athenians!
I will attempt to tie up any loose ends and answer any questions, which any of you may have regarding the just and proper form of educations appropriate to any truly just and wise society. First I would like to more clearly define the attributes and qualities that must be possessed and demanded from our ruling and guardian class of citizens.
The ruling class of citizens must possess knowledge of philosophy, justice, understanding, logic, critical thinking, and temperance, as my fellow Socratic has already lain out before you all.
The true meaning of philosophy seems to be getting misconstrued lately into something that it most definitely is not. Many of you may think that philosophy is the art of persuasiveness or that it is a subject, which diverts the attention of the one practicing away from the matters and affair of the men and redirects their gaze into the clouds. I assure you all that these are most definitely misconceptions of philosophy, which for our purposes we will define as not only the “love of wisdom” but also the practice of continuously searching for just way of life and for the underlying truths which support and lead to a better understanding of this just life.
A member of the ruling class must also possess an intimate knowledge and use of logic, critical thinking, and understanding. All three of these are tied together and each is vitally important to the wellbeing of a just ruler. For, logic and the ability to reason is what separates man from the rest of the animals the gods placed on Earth. Logic, as we shall define it, is the art of solving problems through man’s ability to think critically and reasonably. Without refining this ability and being taught how to continuously think more logically, the ruling party will be unable to overcome any of the obstacles that have a tendency to arise in any state.
It is through the use of logic and rationality that these rulers will attain understanding. We shall say that understanding is the ability of a person to anticipate, explain, and properly deal with any issue, which may arise. True understanding can only be found out by means of taking an objective stance toward the issue at hand. We shall say that objective here is the act of removing one’s self from the conflict or argument and examining all of the evidence which pertains to the issue at hand without letting any personal bias or desires get in the way. If a ruler is unable to do this he will be unable to provide the polis with what is actually best for itself and will instead only ever be able to do what is best for his own person or that of his supporters and friends. A ruler who does not possess this trait will only be able to make decisions that work to the advantage of the polis accidentally, as he is only aware of what is in his own best interest.
A just ruler must be able to exercise temperance within his life, both personally and publicly, as his professional life will be influenced by his personal life. Temperance shall be defined as the ability to control and maintain balance in one’s life. Temperance is obedience to one’s commanders and self-control in sensual desires. The commander of the ruling class is to be justice and the continuous pursuit thereof and thus justice must always be observed and obeyed, even if it conflicts with one’s own personal desires and wants. Rulers must maintain self-control in all sensual pleasures never indulging in anything that does not promote the betterment of his purpose and aim or over-indulging in those things, which are necessary to the maintenance of his body.
I hope that these words of mine have helped to make clear the appropriate path, which Athens should take. May you all live justly and follow the will of the gods.
Fellow Athenians!
I will attempt to tie up any loose ends and answer any questions, which any of you may have regarding the just and proper form of educations appropriate to any truly just and wise society. First I would like to more clearly define the attributes and qualities that must be possessed and demanded from our ruling and guardian class of citizens.
The ruling class of citizens must possess knowledge of philosophy, justice, understanding, logic, critical thinking, and temperance, as my fellow Socratic has already lain out before you all.
The true meaning of philosophy seems to be getting misconstrued lately into something that it most definitely is not. Many of you may think that philosophy is the art of persuasiveness or that it is a subject, which diverts the attention of the one practicing away from the matters and affair of the men and redirects their gaze into the clouds. I assure you all that these are most definitely misconceptions of philosophy, which for our purposes we will define as not only the “love of wisdom” but also the practice of continuously searching for just way of life and for the underlying truths which support and lead to a better understanding of this just life.
A member of the ruling class must also possess an intimate knowledge and use of logic, critical thinking, and understanding. All three of these are tied together and each is vitally important to the wellbeing of a just ruler. For, logic and the ability to reason is what separates man from the rest of the animals the gods placed on Earth. Logic, as we shall define it, is the art of solving problems through man’s ability to think critically and reasonably. Without refining this ability and being taught how to continuously think more logically, the ruling party will be unable to overcome any of the obstacles that have a tendency to arise in any state.
It is through the use of logic and rationality that these rulers will attain understanding. We shall say that understanding is the ability of a person to anticipate, explain, and properly deal with any issue, which may arise. True understanding can only be found out by means of taking an objective stance toward the issue at hand. We shall say that objective here is the act of removing one’s self from the conflict or argument and examining all of the evidence which pertains to the issue at hand without letting any personal bias or desires get in the way. If a ruler is unable to do this he will be unable to provide the polis with what is actually best for itself and will instead only ever be able to do what is best for his own person or that of his supporters and friends. A ruler who does not possess this trait will only be able to make decisions that work to the advantage of the polis accidentally, as he is only aware of what is in his own best interest.
A just ruler must be able to exercise temperance within his life, both personally and publicly, as his professional life will be influenced by his personal life. Temperance shall be defined as the ability to control and maintain balance in one’s life. Temperance is obedience to one’s commanders and self-control in sensual desires. The commander of the ruling class is to be justice and the continuous pursuit thereof and thus justice must always be observed and obeyed, even if it conflicts with one’s own personal desires and wants. Rulers must maintain self-control in all sensual pleasures never indulging in anything that does not promote the betterment of his purpose and aim or over-indulging in those things, which are necessary to the maintenance of his body.
I hope that these words of mine have helped to make clear the appropriate path, which Athens should take. May you all live justly and follow the will of the gods.
posted by brandon | 11:15 AM
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