Essay on Comparing Societies Why Utopian Freedom is Best

It is difficult to define freedom, because it varies drastically when interpreted by different ethnicities and individuals. Like many concepts that describe the human condition, freedom maintains certain features regardless of how it is interpreted. The relationship between freedom, justice and societal goals is one of these features. Through this relationship we will explore both the nature and the quality of freedom in Thomas More’s Utopia. What relationship exists between freedom, justice and societal goals? To answer this question we, like Plato, should look to a model society. Our model society will have a goal: a characteristic that makes a model citizen and which the populace desires to achieve. Our model society will also have†¦show more content†¦1, Para 4.) This view can be backed up by even the most cursory glance at Plato’s Republic, where the citizens are educated and given their path in life by the wise philosopher kings. Greek freedom, then, is following the path the wise set before you. Nelson also goes on to explain that for the Greeks the â€Å"purpose of civic life is†¦ happiness†(Nelson Sec. 1 Para 4.) Nelson’s position inaccurately summarizes Plato’s view that: â€Å"[Each man] has a job to do, and if he does not do it, his life is not worthwhile†(Plato, p. 104) A man’s job is his role in society; only by fulfilling his role, can he find fulfillm ent in life. Thus the ideal citizen is the man or woman who fulfills his or her role in society, meaning the desired characteristic is not happiness but duty. A fulfilling life is a happy one, so the purpose of civic life seems to be happiness; however the over-arching goal of all societies is in fact happiness. To look at a specific society, one cannot look at the over-arching goal, as Nelson does, or else one will not be able to accurately evaluate and compare that society with others. Nelson goes on to describe justice â€Å"as a natural balance among elements†(Nelson, sec. 1 para. 4), with the wise guiding and ruling those who are unwise so they may act in accordance with reason. In Plato’s Republic this is once again easily discerned from a glance at the structure of society, with the philosopher kingsShow MoreRelatedThe Failure Of Communism And Communism965 Words   |  4 Pagestwenty-first century. Capitalism and Communism have both been put forth as the best models for modern enlightened societies. Each philosophy contains both desirable and undesirable elements within its framework. Communism is based on a firm belief that fiscal and social equality is the path to an ideal utopian society. Capitalism is based on the principle of individuality, and the exercise of individual rights, freedom, and the liberty to pursue advancement in a competitive free market. 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