Question

On which of the following, Plato and Aristotle DISAGREE concerning the realm of the political?

• A. Women, in principle, are barred from participation in the political realm.
• B. The best form of government entails the concentration of power in a limited few.
• C. Manual labourers, traders, and businessmen are not fit for political powers.
• D. The ethical and the political are intricately connected.

Hint:

Plato’s politics is idealist and hierarchical, while Aristotle’s is more empirical and constitutional.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B, C

Step 1: Identify Plato’s views.
Plato allows women of the guardian class to participate in political life, supports philosopher-kings, and excludes producers from political rule.
Step 2: Identify Aristotle’s views.
Aristotle excludes women from political participation, prefers a mixed or constitutional government, and also restricts political power to free male citizens.
Step 3: Compare the positions.
They disagree on women’s political participation (A), the concentration of power (B), and the political eligibility of labouring classes (C).
They agree that ethics and politics are deeply connected, making (D) incorrect.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct answers are (A), (B), and (C).