What Is Aristocracy?

When you hear the term Aristocracy nowadays, you probably think of a snobby hereditary upper class. But that isn’t the real definition of Aristocracy. In this video I’m going to explain the real definition of Aristocracy, with reference to Plato’s Republic, but also with more modern examples so we can see how it works in our modern society. This video is part of a series I’m doing, in which I go through Plato’s five forms of government, so I highly recommend you stay tuned for the next episodes by subscribing to my channel. Let’s get to it then.

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The etymological definition of Aristocracy is ‘rule by the best. In Plato’s conception of Aristocracy, the nation is ruled by Philosopher Kings, who are wise and educated in Ethics, which is the study of right and wrong. Plato’s conception of governmental systems is that they are either rule by the few, rule by many or rule by one. Aristocracy as a form of rule by few is joined by Timocracy, and Oligarchy. I’m covering them in over videos, but it's safe to say Plato sees Aristocracy as the perfect balance between the two. Why? because In Timocracy the society and leaders are driven by honour and duty, in Oligarchy greed and material possessions. In Aristocracy it’s wisdom and intellect, the aristocrats are able to keep their own desires in check, and prioritise the good of the people, and only the best people can become aristocrats in the first place, in this sense Plato’s conception of Aristocracy is closer to meritocracy, where power is vested according to merit.

A good example of Plato’s conception of Aristocracy in our society is the US Supreme Court, where the judges, who have been educated in ethics, are appointed according to merit. However this raises the question of why we now associate aristocracy with rule by a hereditary class. Some have criticised Plato’s definition of Aristocracy because he does not specify the number of Philosopher Kings, meaning his definition of Aristocracy can be seen as analogous with Monarchy, or rule by one Philosopher King. This increases the chances of nepotism, which is where a ruler gives power to their family members to keep himself in power, and that is probably where the hereditary form of aristocracy comes from, a distorted version of Plato’s own definition.

To conclude Aristocracy is a form of government in which the few rule, but they are the best.
In this sense, it is closer to meritocracy than the modern version of aristocracy that hands power to a small hereditary class. In next week's episode we will see how Aristocracy degenerates into Timocracy, rule by honour. Thanks for watching, please like, share and subscribe!

Some of the sources I used in this series
Plato's Republic, Apology, Crito and Phaedo

Tags
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[saamyavari]

The Quality of this video both visually and the information given is amazing!

[gabrielbrewster]

Judges are appointed by merit?LOL

Aristocracy - a small group rules.
It's an extension of monarchy where a single monarch reigns, but over a council who tend to be well educated and hence "best suited" to rule.

All modern political systems are actually a combination of Monarchy, Aristocracy and democracy.

Meritocracy comes from this COMBINATION.

This COMBINATION creates "checks and balances" and leads to constitutional government

[supahjadi]

Its more nuanced than meritocracy though.

[MotokoOgawa]

Plato's aristocracy = meritocracy
Plato's timocracy = feudal aristocracy, before 1453

[jozebutinar]

monarchy is the best form of goverment

[yoimiyara]

is Queen Elizabeth II a aristocrat? or is aristocrat only used for duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron?

[brd]

Tv is everywhere and everything is tv. It is T ele C ommunication. It is about sensing something and making sense of the sensed idea. It is about the capacity to know and understand.

[---qoyz]

*ARISTOCRACY* WE LOVE YOUUU!!! ♥️♥️♥️🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌹🌹🌹🌹

NO ONE LOVES PLEBS! 😂😂😂

[corydawodu.]

Would the Roman republic be an example

[marcelsandino]

Could you say this is Nordic monarchies system?

[ccall]

I think Plato was a poor philosopher comment and even then I believe that you are allowing modern interpretations of the terms to cloud the interpretation of his use of them. I think in the ancient sense of the word aristocracy comment typically in aristocracy which was the rule by the best, was ruled by those who are best able to rule themselves and others come not necessarily for the best interest of others, But rather in a way that is the most sustainable. Which balances out the interests of the Ruled, with the interests of the ruler, because in order to sustain for long periods of time your position of authority and power, those who you rule over must at least appreciate your leadership and rule. In other words, there should be no constitution, but rather a hereditary aristocracy as they always had in ancient times, where the best rule and raise their own children to be the best, And the only way to determine if they are the best are not comment is to allow the consequences to speak for themselves. If there has to be a bloody revolution to overthrow them, then obviously they were not the best. At the end of the day there is no way getting around the necessity for periodic revolution or the occasional coup d'etat by challengers for the authority. The best rule, because they are powerful. And the way to be powerful on the political scale (as opposed to just being a good warrior), is to be able to lead and motivate your people to good achievements and results. If you're bad at leading, you lose favor and following, and nobody cares what you think anymore, and then you either fade out of the clique of the ruling elite, as so many families have had happen to them, or you hold onto power authoritatively and ppl eventually have to kick you out or kill you. But I only see the ancient use of the terms as the valid use of them. Power gives you the right to rule. And that should be hereditary. It's not archaic. It's human nature. We all look at each other, and judge those around us as more or less competent and blessed, and follow those who always have the best answers to difficult questions, and best solutions to difficult problems. And progressively, as you show yourself to be wise and intelligent; Blessed with natural charm and practical ability, you gain and gain authority, which means those who identify with you will follow you and, eventually, fight with you, for mutual gain.

[kanakadhikari]

That means British were aristocrat, when they were in india .

[ishtiaquekhan]

How does one define ethics or who are better? You need Islam.