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Long Essay Question Essay for Unit 1
Explain the arguments behind Plato’s and Pericles’ opinion
regarding Athenian democracy, along with the context in
which they were developed. Identify which of the two
Aristotle’s political thoughts would align with more closely?
Explain.
Tasks:
#1. Explain #2. Identify & Explain
Terms:
#1. Plato / Pericles arguments for democracy & their context
#2. Who would Aristotle agree with more & why
Plato
Pericles
Plato
Against Democracy
The Republic (social break-down)
2) The majority of decision makers are
not the most capable of making the
right decisions (workers)
3) philosophers (men and/or women)
who have experience, who seek the
truth, & display good morals, should
lead
1)
Context
1) Student & follower of Socrates
(what happened to him)
2) Experience of Athens during
the Peloponnesian War
Pericles
For Democracy
1.
2.
3.
Leader of Athens following
Persian Wars
Democratically elected
Strengthened democracy while
leading Athens
Context
1.
2.
3.
Athenian history of Tyrants &
civil strife
Athenian success during the
Persian wars (Themistocles)
Athens became intellectual,
cultural, & economic center of
the Mediterranean – while under
democratic rule
 Critical of democracy, but… (check out blue sheet)
 Background
 Student of Plato / but different
 Alexander…?
Your thesis is the most important part of your essay!
Your thesis statement is one to two sentences, is located at the end
of your introductory paragraph, and it must:
1.
2.
Respond to the question / prompt directly, using the tasks &
terms
Briefly outline the categories of evidence that you will use to
make your point.
It’s the opening statement in a court case…
DO NOT RESTATE THE PROMPT
 Plato was a critic of democracy and felt that the “ideal” society
should be ruled by philosopher kings, where as Pericles was
instrumental in building up Athens. Aristotle was a loyal student
of Plato.
 Plato was a critic of democracy and felt that the “ideal” society
should be ruled by philosopher kings, where as the highly
influential statesman, Pericles, endorsed Athenian democracy
and claimed that it is was the city’s finest characteristic.
 Plato and Pericles held very different opinions regarding
democracy, and the future well-being of Athens. Aristotle would
have aligned himself with Plato, due to philosophical agreements.
 The Spartans believed in a militaristic society that was led by
an oligarchy, while Athens thrived in the golden age driven
by democracy.
 Plato was ideally against democracy, Pericles was for it, and
Aristotle leaned towards Pericles.
 Plato was a critic of democracy and felt that the “ideal”
society should be ruled by philosopher kings, where as the
highly influential statesman, Pericles, endorsed Athenian
democracy and claimed that it is was the city’s finest
characteristic. Though critical of some of democracy’s flaws,
Aristotle would most likely align with Pericles / Plato.
Plato was a critic of democracy and felt that the “ideal”
society should be ruled by philosopher kings, where as
the highly influential statesman, Pericles, endorsed
Athenian democracy and claimed that it is was the city’s
finest characteristic. Due to Aristotle’s belief in
______________, he would more likely align himself
with _________________.
Set up Time and Place
2. Allude to your subtopics
1.
“Start Broad, and work your way toward your specific thesis”
Time & Place
Sub-topics
Thesis
Following the Persian Wars, The Greek city-state of Athens
emerged as a great power within the Mediterranean world. The
Athenians defeated the Persian navy at Salamis, and now returned
to rebuild their great city not simply for themselves, but for all of
Greece to bear witness. Among the many characteristics that make
up their “golden age,” their political institution of democracy set
them apart from their contemporaries. Three prominent Athenians,
Plato, Pericles, and Aristotle held differing opinions in regards to the
Athenian political structure and the ideal government. Plato was a
critic of democracy and felt that the “ideal” society should be ruled by
philosopher kings, where as the highly influential statesman, Pericles,
endorsed Athenian democracy and claimed that it is was the city’s
finest characteristic. Though critical of some of democracy’s flaws,
Aristotle would most likely align with Pericles / Plato.
Plato, the Athenian philosopher who followed Socrates and later
founded the Academy, was a thinker who embraced the ideal. Between 385
and 380 B.C., he wrote his famous work the Republic in which he used a
fictional conversation involving Socrates to illustrate the ideal, or perfect
society. In this society, he made clear that its citizens would be classified
into three separate categories; philosophers, warriors, and workers. He felt
based on a true understanding of human abilities, that it was from the
group of philosophers that leaders should come from, clearly marking
democracy as the less ideal form of government. These philosophers could
be male or female, and should be both experienced and grounded in
virtue. Perhaps the reason that Plato felt this way had to do with the
particular situation that Athens found itself in following the
Peloponnesian War.
 Themistocles
 Poor leadership following death of Pericles
 Execution of the Naval Admirals
 Execution of Socrates
Plato was a philosopher who was against democracy. He
wrote the Republic and talked about philosopher kings. He
knew Socrates, and believed that the “unexamined life was not
worth living.” He felt that workers should work, and warriors
should protect the state. He was Athenian, so he would know
well that democracy wasn’t always perfect.
Pericles emerged onto the scene in Athens following the triumphant victory
over the Persians and king Xerxes. Democratically elected, he was a zealous
believer in the democracy that became the signature feature of Athens. He, along
with many of the citizens, felt that victory against the eastern Persians served as
kind of divine truth that democracy was truly the right form of government.
While he led the Athenian government, he strengthened democracy by…. and
built up Athens by …. Being a highly educated aristocrat, he full well knew the
violent history that Athens endured through many tyrants and civil wars. He
could have very well pointed to Themistocles as proof that Athens sought the very
best to lead the city, which any other type of government would have dismissed.
In his funeral oration at the beginning of the Peloponnesian war, he… He could
point to the Parthenon, Athens leadership in the Delian League, and its newly
established empire as proof that a city led by its citizens was the true ideal.
Re-state your thesis statement.
2. Legacy statement / what will come next / etc.
3. Do not insert new information or start a new
argument
1.
Tips when you write:
1. Do not be cheesy and flowery
2. Avoid first-person… “I think”
3. Write to someone who doesn’t know you, or what
you’re talking about (meaning – explain!)