History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 130 - State of Mind - al-Farabi on Religion and Politics
24 snips
May 26, 2013 AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ruler As The City's Heart
- Al-Farabi follows Aristotle in seeing the ruler as the heart of the city that secures balance and citizens' virtue.
- He insists happiness is impossible outside a well-governed polis that fosters virtuous opinions and actions.
Philosopher-Rulers Shape Civic Belief
- Al-Farabi endorses Plato's idea that only philosopher-rulers can make a city truly virtuous.
- He recognizes most citizens will hold opinions, not demonstrative knowledge, so rulers must guide beliefs.
Lawgiving As Practical Medicine
- The ideal ruler combines universal practical knowledge with case-by-case deliberation, like a doctor tailoring remedies.
- Laws are the ruler's tool to apply general truths to a city's particular needs and changing circumstances.