Political Theory Essay Research Paper The topic

Political Theory Essay, Research Paper

The topic of discussion, which will be the focus of this paper, will center on three major questions. The first is why Socrates believes that he is the only true statesman in Athens. The second is why Callicles believes that he is the true exemplar of statesmanship. The final question that will be addressed is what Aquinas may have said to both such arguments. Finally, the paper will conclude with the authors final thoughts on the arguments.

Throughout the years there have been many debates between those who practice different forms of statesmanship. Many of these debates have been between those who practice philosophy and those who are rhetoricians or orators. One such debate between a philosopher and a rhetorician may be found in the Gorgias in which a debate between Socrates representing the philosopher and Callicles representing the rhetorician. Now it has been said yesterday s philosophy becomes today s cliches. Meaning that most if not all of the what is believed to be radical thinking in the ways of politics, is instead merely the same things which philosophers were speaking of years ago. It would seem from that, that all political thought is just a case of the politician stealing the good ideas of change from the philosopher.

A career as a politician inescapably requires the use of the principles, categories, and metaphors of political philosophy. By acknowledging this it is understood that to be a successful politician one must also use the ideas of political philosophy. One may attempt to attain political power without the aid of political philosophy however; it is likely that this attempt will end only in failure. That is if what has been said of the incorporation of political philosophy into politics through the ages holds true.

Political philosophy is a very complex idea, which to comprehend. It has been likened to love or friendship, as these are two of the most difficult subjects for the human mind to even attempt an undertaking with an end goal of complete understanding of these subjects. For unlike nuclear physics, chemistry, or rocket science there are no exact answers when one attempts to understand love or friendship. There are not any formulas, which will insure one to fall in love, nor are there any formulas, which will guarantee friendship. Love and friendship are feelings that just seem to happen on their own accord. The practice of politics is very similar to love and friendship in this manor. It is similar in that there are no formulas for becoming successful in the political realm. If there were such formulas becoming elected to public offices would be a rather simple task, to the point where anyone who understood the formula would be able to be elected to public office anytime one wished. However, as it stands there are no set formulas for reaching political office. The road to political power often varies from generation to generation, with one fact remaining the same; there are no formulas. With that we begin our discussion of why two men each believed in their own superiority in the realm of statesmanship.

In the Gorgias Socrates is engaged in a debate, which begins in the streets and eventually ends up in the setting of a home. Within this book there are many things of which debate arises such as what art is Gorgias a master. When Socrates asks such questions he receives answers which are clearly not satisfactory to him often replying in such ways as Polus seems to be well prepared to make speeches. He is not, however, fulfilling his promise to Chaerephon. Answers which were provided sounded very eloquent, however did not succeed in answering the question, which was asked, of the rhetoricians seemed to be the theme of the beginning of this work.

Why is it that Socrates believes himself to be the only true statesmen in Athens. Socrates believes that the ordered life is happier than the unrestrained. The ordered life which Socrates is speaking of is at odds with what Callicles calls A man who is going to live a full life must allow his desires to become as mighty as may be and never repress them. For while Socrates is saying that a man should not let his desires control him, he should instead have control over his desires. While Callicles believes that by fulfilling all of one s desires, one shows control and true manhood. From the perspective of Socrates a true statesman would have to lead this life of order, which he believes he was leading.

Socrates believes that his life, which was spent, largely immersed in philosophy, is the life that is to be emulated by others. The life, which was spent examining thoughts and ideas, is the one of the most worth and value. Rather than a life in which one s time is devoted to speaking in public, practicing rhetoric, engaging in politics in the current fashion. This life of spending ones time speaking in public and practicing rhetoric etc. would seem to be a waste of one s time to Socrates. For in so doing one does not possess a true knowledge one merely is a manipulator of words, rather than a true scholar or statesman.

Socrates who believes that the practice of philosophy actually made the man better asked Callicles if by the practice of rhetoric the rhetorician actually taking time to make sure,

That their fellow citizens may receive the maximum improvement through their words. Or do they, like th