THUCYDIDES VERSUS PLATO

Thucydides versus Plato

Thucydides versus Plato on the nature of the Good Life

This paper would address Thucydides versus Plato on the nature of the Good Life. Some have claimed that Thucydides is making empirical claims, whereas Plato is making normative claims.

The basis of Plato's theory about the good life is based on the idea that everything has a function or use that is naturally suited for. Justice, beauty, virtue and excellence of the particular thing, everything depends on the fulfilment of that role. According to this idea, even the man has a function that fits naturally. The man is of course a little more complicated than a chair or a horse in order to ascertain its proper functioning is not at all an easy task and one subject to much debate. For Plato, however, men's role is determined by the nature and, therefore, objectively. No subjectivism or relativism involved, each man can not decide for itself what is its function. By contrast, there is a universal role dictated by the nature that is the same for all people in all circumstances and situations. In the Republic Plato argues that the proper use or function of man and his soul is to live with justice and achieve a state of unity and harmony. The man is composed of several parts, each different and with different objectives, goals and appetites. (Benardete 1992)

It lists the intellect, spirit-to-value ratio, and physical desires as the three parts of the soul, but this is to simplify the ease of comprehension. That is irrelevant, however, is only important to conceptualize the soul as composed of several parties in conflict. But this state of conflict is undesirable and men must seek to harmonize its soul. This can be done by teaching each of the parties to perform their function as nature dictates, without interfering with business elsewhere. It is important to realize that each party is intended to perform its function well, not only to carry out the same. Therefore, in the case of physical desires, by applying all kinds of pleasures of luxury is not a job well done, that part of the soul that simply aspire to survival and good health. When all these parties are carrying out their objectives in an appropriate way, you can not still be some conflicts. It is the work of reason in circumstances such as these to interfere ...