In The Republic, Greek philosopher Plato describes Socrates’ explanation of how anything taken to excess will cause destruction:
“the truth being that the excessive increase of anything often causes a reaction in the opposite direction . . . . The excess of liberty seems to pass into the excess of slavery."
He also stated: States will naturally decline from an aristocracy, which he described as rule by the best, to timocracy, rule by the honorable, to oligarchy, rule by the few, to democracy, rule by the people, and then to tyranny, which is rule by a tyrant.

Question

In The Republic, Greek philosopher Plato describes Socrates’ explanation of how anything taken to excess will cause destruction:
“the truth being that the excessive increase of anything often causes a reaction in the opposite direction . . . . The excess of liberty seems to pass into the excess of slavery."
He also stated: States will naturally decline from an aristocracy, which he described as rule by the best, to timocracy, rule by the honorable, to oligarchy, rule by the few, to democracy, rule by the people, and then to tyranny, which is rule by a tyrant.

anonymous · Answer

Do you agree with Plato’s understanding of the circle that forms of government make? Why or why not? As you explain your reasons, offer examples of this movement from one form of government to another in history. Should the decline of forms of government concern us today? What excesses of democracy might lead to tyranny?

anonymous · Answer

This is more of a question that asks of your opinion and understanding. Sorry.

anonymous · Answer

I know and I will answer the opinions after I understand what he's talking about lol. Do you know of any examples of his 5 regimes though?

anonymous · Answer

Aristocracy, Timocracy, Oligarchy, Democracy and Tyranny.

anonymous · Answer

it tells you in the last sentence

anonymous · Answer

I know what the regimes are I want to know of examples in life where these governments deteriorated to the next form.

anonymous · Answer

Rome and China are two that pop into my head. But each are missing a regime. Like Rome wasn't really ever a oligarchy.

anonymous · Answer

Ok thanks. I need one example per transition. Can you show me that within Rome and China?

anonymous · Answer

Well Rome started out with kingship but quickly transferred to  Aristocracy control. Then thought it would be better to have a higher class of citizens control (Timocrocy). Then transferred to a "stronger" and "fairer" form known as Democracy. They had senators and a house of Representatives. But soon they thought they needed a even stronger and unified land. Their "solution" was forming and empire. It worked out for a wile, but each new Cesar (emperor) became a little more power hungry, which finally formed into a Tyranny. And as for China, its in a loop of the regimes and still continues to be.

anonymous · Answer

Your the best thanks!

anonymous · Answer

No problem bro, good luck