Comparing Machiavelli's And Aristotle

Though partially unrealistic, but functional, Plato’s and Aristotle’s models of their ideas of society, they both aim at happiness, justice, self-governance, and a virtuous life for each individual as a part of the community.

Aristotle and Plato, theorize that virtue must be gained though practice and a form of self-control, and how to achieve happiness.

In Aristotle’s, Ethics, Books 1., he studies ethics and asserts that there is an ultimate good which is both complete and self-sufficient. Aristotle believes that this ultimate good is happiness; it means living well. In Book 1, Chapter VII, Aristotle talks about the good being happiness, he proclaims that in accordance of virtue, human good turns out to be activity of the soul. Aristotle’s theory of good seems to be similar to Plato’s theory. In Aristotle theory, virtue is the potential

Both Machiavelli and Plato would find it necessary to have their ruler have total power. For Plato the logical because no one else is fit into this rule except those who do; therefore, they should have the power. For Machiavelli it is because the ruler—via himself— acts in the interest of the people. Furthermore, Machiavelli and Plato agree that virtue is needed to create a good civilization. Without virtue, each and every civilization would fall if its rulers are unjust and do not conform to the rules of the land.

Machiavelli 's believes that the citizens should usually be left alone, facilitating the ruler 's constant support from the people. Plato’s belief is that a government must directly interfere with people to make their lives more virtuous. Machiavelli 's ruler is concerned with only maintaining his power. Plato 's ruler is virtuous and cares for his people, not his own