Plato, Augustine, And Machiavelli - 1906 Words

Throughout their writing, Plato, Augustine, and Machiavelli uphold differing opinions on how politically involved one should become. Comparatively, each of the men holds different views on God. In this paper, I argue that their beliefs about God determine what they value and prioritize, therefore influencing how essential they considered politics in order to achieve their ends. Plato seems to prefer very little political involvement, Augustine encourages some participation but with several stipulations, and Machiavelli urges significant political involvement. Plato’s view concerning God would be considered non-conformist as he never outright rejected the standard Athenian view of religion but also presented views that were not widely†¦show more content†¦As Crito urged Socrates to escape, he responds by saying that they must listen â€Å"to what the expert concerning the just and unjust things- to what the one, and truth itself, will say† (Crito 48a6-8). Socrat es was willing to lay down his life rather than act on something before it was properly thought out. He valued the pursuit of justice more than the pursuit of his own life. Later on, he reminds Crito again that â€Å"one must in no way do injustice† (Crito 49b7). Socrates’s uncertain religious beliefs led him to seek out the truth and justice. This pursuit of justice through careful thought and consideration became paramount to Plato’s view on politics. The lack of concrete and defined beliefs regarding the gods or God led Plato and Socrates to be wary of definite actions without proper forethought, specifically in the political realm. Politics can be extremely dangerous for anyone with strongly held beliefs contrary to the majority. Socrates insistence on pursuing justice was at odds with the goal of the city at times. He knew that â€Å"if someone who really fights for the just is going to preserve himself even for a short time, it is necessary for him to lea d a private rather than a public life† (Apol. 32a1-3). It is for this reason that his daimonion opposed his political aspirations. If he had pursued politics he â€Å"would long ago have perished† (Apol. 31d8-9). Political power can have many direShow MoreRelatedPericles Funeral Oration : Plato, Augustine, More, And Machiavelli796 Words   |  4 PagesThe foundations of the views in the world, I believe, came from the ideas of Thucydides, Plato, Augustine, More, and Machiavelli. Their ideals set the foundations for todays society. The ideas of giving all to the state, gender inclusiveness, equal suffering among the good and the wicked, an unattainable city, and how one should gain power altered the world for the better. Thucydides â€Å"Pericles Funeral Oration† is a speech given by Pericles that mainly sanitizes death. 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