1. According to Aristotle and Plato, why do people go into politics?

Both Plato and Aristotle believed people entered politics, broadly speaking, to pursue the good, though they differed significantly on what constituted "the good" and the best means to achieve it.<br /><br />**Plato:**<br /><br />* **For the good of the state/others:** Plato, particularly in *The Republic*, argued that the ideal ruler is a philosopher-king, someone who possesses wisdom and virtue and rules not for personal gain but out of a sense of duty and a desire to promote justice and harmony within the state. He believed that individuals best suited to rule are reluctant to do so, preferring the contemplative life, but are compelled by their understanding of justice and their concern for the well-being of others. In his view, the truly just individual recognizes that the well-being of the state is intrinsically linked to their own.<br />* **Reluctant rulers, not power-seekers:** Plato believed that those driven by ambition and a thirst for power were inherently unsuitable for leadership, as their motivations would inevitably lead to corruption and tyranny. The ideal ruler, in contrast, is someone who understands the true nature of the good and governs out of a sense of obligation.<br /><br />**Aristotle:**<br /><br />* **Natural impulse towards community/polis:** Aristotle, in *Politics*, argued that humans are by nature "political animals" ( *zoon politikon*). He believed that humans are naturally drawn to form communities and that the polis (city-state) is the highest form of human community. Participation in politics, therefore, is a natural expression of human nature and a means of achieving *eudaimonia* (flourishing, often translated as happiness).<br />* **To exercise virtue/achieve the good life:** Aristotle believed that the purpose of politics is to create a just and virtuous society that enables its citizens to live good lives. Participating in political life allows individuals to exercise their virtues, such as justice, prudence, and courage, and to contribute to the common good. He saw political engagement as essential for individual and collective flourishing.<br />* **Acknowledged the role of self-interest:** While Aristotle emphasized the importance of virtue and the common good, he also recognized that self-interest plays a role in political motivation. He believed that a well-ordered state should channel individuals' self-interest towards the common good, creating a system where individual and collective interests are aligned.<br /><br /><br />In summary, while both Plato and Aristotle believed that the pursuit of the good motivated political involvement, they differed on the nature of that good. Plato emphasized the importance of wisdom and justice, envisioning philosopher-kings ruling out of a sense of duty. Aristotle, while valuing virtue, saw political participation as a natural human impulse and a means of achieving *eudaimonia*, acknowledging the role of self-interest within a well-structured political system.<br />