Philosophers’ views on politics | Ideas and thoughts
We have brought together for you the perspectives of philosophers in history against politics. In the section below, we have provided some information about the philosophers who expressed their views on the concept of politics.
What is policy and why is it important?
Politics is the process of making decisions, managing and exercising power in society. In general, policy refers to the system of government established to maintain a particular order in a country or community.
Politics is essential to the survival of any community where people live together, to ensure their safety, share resources, provide community services and protect the rights of all. Politics, however, not only meets needs, but also allows everyone to express their opinions, resolve conflicts and generate new ideas in a society where different views and ideas coexist.
Politics is not just the business of political leaders and states. Every segment of society influences policy and plays a role in shaping policy. Therefore, it is important that every individual has knowledge of political issues, understands policies and laws, and is able to express their views on these issues.
Philosophers’ views on politics
Although it is seen that the position of the politician and the way of making policy has changed from the past to the present, nothing has changed in the fundamentals. Famous thinkers reveal the underlying goals of policymaking and the effects of politics or discourse on society. The views of philosophers, Aristotle, Plato and the Sophists on politics are included.
Socrates’ view of politics
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates is one of the thinkers who combines politics with his philosophy. Socrates lived in Athens and played an important role in the political, social and cultural life of Athens during his lifetime.
Socrates’ view of politics is closely linked to his philosophy. Socrates believes in the importance of moral values and argues that these values should also be applied in political life. According to him, the application of moral values such as justice, virtue, honesty and righteousness in a society is important for the stability and well-being of the society.
Socrates believes that politicians should represent the interests of the people, not their own. According to him, it should be the duty of politicians to meet the needs of the people and ensure the happiness of the people. Socrates reminds us that politicians derive their power from the people and that the people can fire them.
Socrates’ view of politics also supports the idea of democracy. He believes that a system in which everyone has a voice and the majority of people decide is the fairest and most correct system. However, Socrates also thinks that democracy also has some weaknesses. According to him, there is a risk in democracy that people will work for their own interests and that people will not be able to make the right decisions.
Aristotle’s view of politics
Aristotle believes that there is only one way to engage in politics in speeches attended by all citizens. However, in modern societies making politics and talking about politics are defined separately.
This is the view of Aristotle, who sees no difference between making politics and making policies; Speech, the direct tool of policy-making, is politics itself. So there is no difference between doing politics and talking about politics. These two concepts form a whole in each other. According to Aristotle, thinking differently is a wealth. The problem for collective thinking to make the community holistic is that the reason for the citizens’ indifference and unwillingness on this issue is due to the difficulties of reaching agreement.
It is the differences that make possible the common good. Aristotle is a good scientist. The flow of viewpoints on the political discourses on which he covers quite broad perspectives is also very effective. Of course, the issue has been discussed in detail politically over time due to opposing views or different mindsets. So what do other scientists think of how policy is made or what policy is?
Plato’s View of Politics
Plato in one of his works sees the speakers, that is, those who deal with words, as deceivers. Plato, that is, politicians or orators, believes that by distorting thoughts about the facts, they hinder the thoughts of good and truth. Plato, orators teach everyone to think the same way and say the same way.
As a result, they receive benefits. Those who have the power of words or those in power prevent the emergence of the common good by ignoring the truth. Plato believes that politics is only the business of those who do it professionally and that making politics is not everyone’s business. Because everyone thinks that if they talk about politics they will throw the political system into chaos.
Machiavelli’s view of politics
Niccolo Machiavelli is an Italian philosopher who lived in the 16th century and is one of the representatives of the philosophy of realism in politics. Machiavelli’s political philosophy focuses on the nature of power, the characteristics of political leadership, and the maintenance of power.
Machiavelli advocates drawing lessons from history to understand the nature of power. In his view, whatever is necessary can be done to maintain and strengthen power. Therefore, leaders should do whatever it takes to maintain power, instead of worrying about honesty, fairness, and other moral values.
Machiavelli’s most famous book, “The Prince”, analyzes the various methods that can be used to gain and maintain power. In the book, he argues that leaders must use two main strategies to maintain their power: cunning and the use of force.
Islamic philosophers and political philosophies
In the Islamic world there is a close connection between philosophy and politics. Islamic philosophers incorporate their political philosophies into their philosophies and also engage in the political life of Islam. Islamic philosophers try to apply the fundamental teachings and principles of Islam in political life.
Islamic philosophers generally derive their philosophy from the basic texts of Islam, the Quran and Hadith. These texts emphasize justice, mercy, tolerance, equality, freedom and human dignity, the basic principles of Islam. Islamic philosophers try to apply these principles in political life.
Farabi, one of the Islamic philosophers, advanced important views on the political philosophy of Islam. According to Farabi, Islamic society should be one based on moral values. In his view, moral values such as justice, equality and freedom must be applied for a society to function properly. Farabi believes that the power of a state should be used in accordance with the moral values of society.
Ibn Khaldun is another philosopher who has advanced important views on Islamic political philosophy. Ibn Khaldun thinks that history is in a cyclical movement and argues that the success of a state is closely related to the social and cultural characteristics of society. According to him, for a state to be strong, the social and cultural life of the people must be strong. Ibn Khaldun argues that Islamic society should organize its social and cultural life in accordance with its moral values.
The science process of politics
Since everything is a development process, it is possible to talk about politics in a development process. If we look at it, even the policies made in Turkey 20 years ago have a process. Discourses do not arise in a short time. Mark Weber; In his article he wrote about politics as a profession, with the development of the modern state, the state, first seizing the tools of politics, began in the 20th century. From the very beginning, political power finds its place in professional politics. In other words, we can say that professional policy making tools started to be created in the 1900s.
What is the philosopher’s view on politics?
Philosophers view politics from many angles. They question the functioning of political orders and the formation of social structures. Therefore, perspectives on politics can differ significantly between different philosophers.
Which philosophers have come up with the most important ideas about politics?
Many philosophers such as Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx have advanced important ideas about politics. While Aristotle’s work “Politics” describes the functioning of political orders and the structure of an ideal state; Machiavelli’s work “The Prince” deals with the nature of power. Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau, on the other hand, discussed the nature of the state and the protection of people’s freedoms with their social contract theories. On the other hand, Marx offered a critical perspective on the capitalist system.
Is the view of philosophers on politics still valid today?
Yes, philosophers’ views on politics are still relevant. In particular, questioning and criticizing social structures and political orders is still one of the subjects in which many philosophers are interested. In addition, the proposals of philosophers to solve the problems in the functioning of political orders are still a subject of discussion.
How have philosophers influenced politics?
Philosophers have made important theoretical contributions to policy advocacy. Critical questioning of social structures and political orders has played an important role in influencing the politics of philosophers. In addition, the suggestions and theoretical studies of many philosophers have influenced the formation of political orders and the determination of state policy.