1. Among the Aristotelian types of government, which do you think is the best and most
appropriate for the Philippines and why?
-The Philippines is a democratic country. However, it is not uncommon for people in
power to abuse and alter the constitution for their own gain. loopholes are made for
cronies to widen their opportunities, and aid their personal interests, creating a
scratch-my-back-I’ll-scratch-yours-system. This and many other anomalies make up
the Philippines’ flawed democracy. With Filipinos having an opaque view on what
democracy should be, “polity”, a kind of constitutional democracy in which Aristotle
preferred himself, is what’s best for the nation, or any country in general; For it is
the manifestation of meritocracy. This type of democracy creates a state where the
citizens respect each other’s rights, and tends to everyone’s interests, rather than just
individual.
2. Why does Plato have a low regard for democracy and pushes for the leadership of philosopher
kings?
- Plato pushed the idea of having a philosopher king as a leader for its features rulers
that are capable of understanding good and evil in such way that an average person
cannot. Basically, a philosopher-made king (If it wasn’t obvious in the name). In his
criticism regarding democracy, Plato thinks that democracy is dangerous for it sparks
excessive freedom, which in turn, produces an anarchical society.
3. In your own words, explain how the five basic relationships of Confucian philosophy help in
attaining social harmony.
- Relationships involve authority. This could be Ruler and Subject, Father and Son, Elder
Brother Younger Brother, Husband and Wife, and Friend to Friend. Most of these are
individuals respecting whom authority it is given to. Harmony exists wherever there is no
conflict, stable relationships seen from a family, a barangay, to city, to country contribute to
what social harmony is. These relationships built the foundation on what society was, and
what is today.
