Essays and Research Papers on Classic Greek Philosophy

This 5 page paper looks at the philosophy of Plato regarding education of the young and old. Plato held that education was the responsibility of the state and should be used as a tool to mould children to their future role in society. Considered are the role and aims of the educational programme as well ...

This 6 page paper examines Aristotle's Politics written in 350 B.C. The work as it pertains to the rule of law is discussed. Contemporary examples are sometimes used to illustrate points. Quotes from the work are included. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page analytical discussion of 'Philebus' looks at the work itself, as well as the message Plato is trying to share and the point of the writing. No additional sources cited.

A 7 page paper that explores the Athenian Constitution, Aristotle's 'Politics,' and other writings. The writer analyzes Aristotle's 'natural' state as a growth out of the family ideal, and posits that Aristotle's views of democracy miror today's views of same. The paper presents Aristototle's arguments against Socrates' recommended form of government, and comments that, ...

This 6 page paper delves into Politics and Nicomachean Ethics as well as writings about Aristotle. It thoroughly examines the concept of democracy with a focus on what Aristotle believed. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

This 3 page paper examines this work written by Plato. The concept of the just city is explored and questions posed by a student are answered. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page report discusses perceptions of education and knowledge in terms of how it was viewed by Plato and John Locke. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A five page paper which looks at the principles underlying the concepts of enlightenment, responsibility and leadership in Plato’s Allegory of the Cave and the qualities which Plato perceives as essential for the foundation and internal cohesion of the State, with regard to the role of the philosopher in interacting with and guiding the people ...

A 5 page overview of Plato's views on virtue (arête), knowledge, and education. The author comments on the controversy surrounding Platonic thought in these areas. No sources are listed.

3 pages in length. Plato was a thinker well ahead of his time in many ways; his insightful understanding of people and the way in which they interacted with each other and society as a whole was instrumental in his ability to articulate in a most accurate fashion. One of his most astute ...

This 9 page paper considers the nature of rhetoric as it emerged as a component of the classical tradition. This paper considers the Platonic, Aristotelian and Isocratean views and then argues which is the most appropriate for the modern day. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 8 page research paper examines Aristotle's ideas about human nature. Specifically discussed are the roles of justice and education in the Aristotelian concept of human nature. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

6 pages in length. The manner by which both liberal and mechanical education still defines today's educational systems is established at very simplistic level within the overall academic community; one's own pursuit of education merely for its intrinsic knowledge has not held fast through the passage of time. The word 'education' has many ...

This paper examines some of Aristotle's philisophical foundation for political beliefs -- including the idea of nature (and natural laws) underlying the political order of his ideal polis. The three "rungs" of this ladder include the individual/family, the village and the state. Bibliogrpahy lists 1 source.

An 8 page discussion of the political philosophy as revealed by these great thinkers. Provides concise definitions of several critical Greek terms such as logistikon, politeia, aidos, eikasia, timarchy, entelechy, physis, dianoia, agathon, and peitho. Ties these terms into the philosophies of Aristotle, Socrates and Plato; discussing such concepts as oligarchy verses democracy, ...

An 8 page overview of Plato's Republic and of the relevance of his and Socrates thoughts to modern day government. Bibliography list three additional sources.

A 5 page paper discussing general principles of government, particularly as defined by Plato’s Republic. We have come to a place in which it appears that the people have relatively little voice in the operation of the federal government, but that cynical view results more from lack of citizen involvement than from any fault ...

A 15 page report that contains a review of the literature to support a discussion about whether Plato's philosophical theories in The Republic was the beginning of totalitarianism. The ideal government structure as envisioned by Plato is compared to modern day totalitarian governments. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This is a 6 page paper comparing the philosophies of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. For Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, justice, truth, natural order and law play important parts in the concept of good and evil, an individual’s role in society, and the formation of the state and government. For Socrates, justice was the ultimate goal ...

3 pages in length. To understand Plato's distinction between a sick city and a healthy city, one must also realize the dichotomy he presents in his definition. The self-sufficient status of the first city, which exists in a state of complete harmony and has no need for formal government, is the antithesis of ...

A 5 page paper which examines the philosophies of Socrates in "Apology" and "Crito" and discusses whether he is a traitor or a patriot in regards to the government of the time. The paper also examines the ideals of Socrates as they compare to the four noble truths of Buddha. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

An 8 page examination of the premises of democracy as seen through the eyes of the ancient philosophers and the sixteenth century Italian leader. Notes the opinions of these great thinkers on aspects the basic concept of whether one man should rule over another and the necessity of government and how that necessity relates ...

This 7 page paper provides in question and answer format, an overview of Plato's philosophy, particularly as it goes to forms. Other issues are addressed, such as government types. Plato's epistemological assumptions are also discussed. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 4 page discussion of the distinctive approaches taken by Plato and Thucydides in defining the good life. The author contends that Thucydides approached such definitions from the empirics of history while Plato approached them from a more normative, esoteric angle. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 10 page research paper that offers an analysis of the theories of Parmenides concerning the nature of the universe. The writer discusses how his theories are laid out in a didactic poem "On Nature," and then discusses their history and relevance. Bibliography lists 5 sources.