California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

SS 121

Quiz 2: Plato and Aristotle

1)Identify the order of the constitution identified by Plato from best to worst

1. 1. Aristocracy - Best
   2. Democracy – 4^th Best
   3. Oligarchy – 3^rd Best
   4. Timocracy – 2^nd Best
   5. Tyranny - Worst
2. What is the primary cause of corruption from one type of constitution to the one below it?
   1. Factions within the ruling class
   2. Jealousy of the lower classes
   3. Economic dislocation
   4. Foreign invasion
3. Aristotle agrees with Plato that-
   1. we should concentrate on the ideal state and not worry about practical issues
   2. property should be held in common by the ruling class.
   3. women and children should be held in common by the ruling class.
   4. the quality of the city and the quality of the citizens are mutually dependent.
4. According to Aristotle, which social structure is most natural?
   1. The state (polis)
   2. The household
   3. The village
   4. The family
5. Why is this structure identified in Question 4 the most natural?
   1. Because it is what all the other structures are logically aiming at.
   2. Because it is historically first.
   3. Because it is most closely related to the biological function of procreation.
   4. Because it is the most efficient.
6. Which of the following statements is true for Aristotle?
   1. Slavery is an unjust institution
   2. All men are created equal
   3. Some people are born to be slaves
   4. All actual slaves deserve to be slaves
7. According to Aristotle, a citizen is someone who:
   1. Lives within the territory of the state (polis)
   2. Is a child of citizens
   3. Shares in the administration of justice and the holding of office
   4. Does military service for the state (polis)
8. The government of the many that looks out for the common interests of the state Aristotle calls a(n)
   1. Polity