For ages people have been arguing the virtues of Greek and Chinese philosophy. The question is, which is more convincing? Both have points that could be well defended. Only one can come out a winner. I believe that Greek philosophy is more convincing because of its view of human nature, structure of government, and the role of people.
Human nature is a big thing. It represents who you are and what you are like. Han Fei is a Chinese legalist. He believes that humans are naturally born evil. That’s crazy. No one has heard of anyone being born evil. Han Fei states that “suffering a small pain is the way to obtain a great benefit…..” On the other hand, Greek Philosopher Aristotle believes that everyone is alike and can’t be born evil. He also says that people can be corrupted and that people need happiness. That’s good to know. “ Clearly the intelligence of the people is not to be relied upon.”, Han Fei states. He believes that people are evil with jealousy. I think that Greek philosophy is more successful because it shows that people aren’t born evil.
The structure of the government is the powerhouse of an empire. There have to be certain rules and laws in the government to make it a strong empire. Aristotle states that “all citizens alike should take their turn of governing and being governed.” He also says that that democracy is the best form of government. Our fore fathers learned from Aristotle and how government should operate. This is the basis of our government today. Our strong democracy is based on citizens taking turns, being elected. A government by the people and for the people. On the other side of the table, Han Fei believes that dictatorship is the way to go. People have no power what so ever. Only the government. He believed that was the best and most efficient way to rule an empire. I think that Aristotle won this battle. His view of government is more convincing and successful than Han Fei.
The roles of people determine a lot of things; who and what a person can and can’t control. Han Fei declares that “men became naturally spoiled by love, but are submissive to authority.” He thinks that people should obey the government and do what they are told to do. No rewards whatsoever. He believes punishments should be severe so that people would fear them. Aristotle believes the opposite of Han Fei. People should live happily and be victorious. “The citizen should be molded to suit the form of the government under which he lives.” Basically, a citizen should act as if he is apart of the government. Everyone should vote for the government, Aristotle believes. Education was big for the Greeks and Aristotle believes that every one should be educated. It’s the way to go. Aristotle’s view of the role of people is uplifting instead of obeying everything the government tells you to do, which can feel oppressive.
Greek philosophy won the battle. I am convinced that it is better that Han Fei’s philosophy. Aristotle’s view on human nature, structure of government, and the role of people is the foundation of our democratic system that we have today.
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