Political Philosophy - What is the best form of government - Essay Example

It would not be an under ment to say that to pinpoint a political system and announce with conviction that it is a perfect system is without bias. The issue of saying which the right one is and which is not becomes a matter of opinion which is only to be hoped for to be based on actual facts and experience. These are matters of belief and some may adhere to such more ardently than others. It is with the erudition and consequent knowledge of philosophers who are the authority to instigate accordingly what they believe to be the most suitable and appropriate system that is most justifiable.

Plato’s argument against democracy is dependent on the basis of it being centered on the power of the people to decide what they deem is good for them. The problem of the lack of specialization on matters of the state poses a problem on the choosing of the best possible solution. The Greek word ‘demos’ which translates to ‘the people’ is easily attributable to the concept of ‘the mob.’ This is where the concept of the silent majority and the loud minority may come to play. The word mob by itself sends a negative connotation that can be thought of as unruly and chaotic.

Plato proposes that a leader should be holistic in his education and approach to ruling the state. Foremost, he must be a philosopher as Plato thinks that this enables him to consider the importance of education for others. There are also other requirements which include knowledge in music, mathematics, military, and physical education. The analogy of a person’s health to a state directly explains why Plato does not favor democracy. The state and its health need to be attended to be by a doctor (Wolff, p. 67). A physician will be able to administer with skill and accuracy correct judgment because of his expertise.

This in essence undermines the capacity of the people to articulate good views.Mills idea of democracy is very straightforward, “to improve the citizens, and to manage their public affairs. Thus governments are to be judged by their effects on individuals, whether they improve them morally and intellectually, and by their efficiency in dealing with matters of public concern” This essentially means the need for representation and the importance of the power of the constitution becomes tantamount.

People thrive when they are given independence. Everyone plays a part in the realization of sovereignty by being protective against the danger of oppression (p. 94-95).Rousseau’s proposition is not so different from that of Plato but while Plato primarily thinks of educating only a chosen few, Rousseau argues that more should be educated in the same level to determine the most worthy. The significance of citizenship is especially highlighted by Rousseau. The belief on equality in democracy is recurring in his argument for democracy.

The general will must be adhered to for the maximization of the idealisms of democracy. That the logic that the law exempts no one is the primary message that all will end well in a functional democracy. This serves as a cushion for the differences as it would be obvious that there are going to be disparities in classes among the people. The general good is the ultimate goal as Rousseau sees it (p. 79-81).I prefer Mill’s contention over Plato. It is quite evident that there is truth to the idea that independence results to prosperity as long as it is not abused.

Plato’s idea is generally still restricted to a monarchy and the training that a future king should receive. The peace that comes hand in hand with democracy, compared to other systems, is something that I personally believe in. It eliminates, or at least diminishes, bloodshed. It is obvious that as Mill himself has said, direct democracy is almost impossible because of the large population sizes of states and therefore representation becomes necessary. As long as the people are properly represented and that these representatives rightfully stand for their constituents then a working democracy is in order.

Work CitedWolff, Jonathan. An Introduction to Political Philosophy. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006.