Comparing Plato, James Madison, and John Mills Essay

Comparing Plato, James Madison, and John Mills Plato, James Madison, and John Mills are all supporters of the idea that opinion must be discussed in public debate. In my own reason-based thought this idea that through silence ignorance grows louder is my own general understanding. In Platos The Republic he discuses the idea that there is first knowledge at the first degree. In the second degree there is opinion which is neither proven to be true or false. In the last degree is falsehood. He argues that opinion is not pure knowledge and therefore can not be pure truth. Plato goes on to say, But surely when a man is deceived in his own mind we can fairly call his ignorance of the truth true falsehood. For a false†¦show more content†¦Plato stated, And it will produce its natural effects also in the individual. It renders him incapable of action because of internal conflicts and division of purpose, and sets him at variance with himself and with all who are just. He said this about men who were at odds with themselves. In reality falsehood causes inner conflict and in order to have inner peace that conflict must be resolved. Therefore, the falsehood in ones own mind must be purged and tested by the means of public debate to solve the inner con flict and set the man at peace. In James Madisons Federalist # 10 is also familiar with Platos writings. Madison said, As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed. As long as the connection subsists between his reason and his self-love, his opinion and his passions will have a reciprocal influence on each other. This idea connects with the thought that in order to find pure knowledge these opinions must be brought to public understanding to be tested and debated for their truthfulness. Madison further states, No man is allowed to be judge in his own cause; because his interest will certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. Also in my opinion, the man will not have inner peace due to his bias. Thus, it is important to have a forum to voice these truths that we hold in our mind so as to have the inner peace we want. JohnShow MoreRelatedInternational Management67196 Words   |  269 PagesAnyansiArchibong, North Carolina AT State University; Lauryn Migenes, University of Central Florida; Jan Flynn, Georgia College and State University; Valerie S. Perotti, Rochester Institute of Technology; Joseph Richard Goldman, University of Minnesota; James P. Johnson, Rollins College; Juan F. Ramirez, Nova Southeastern University; Lawrence A. Beer, Arizona State University; Tope A. Bello, East Carolina University; Irfan Ahmed, Sam Houston State University; Alan N. Miller, University of Nevada, Las Vegas;Read MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesConflict 375 SKILL LEARNING 376 Interpersonal Conflict Management 376 Mixed Feelings About Conflict 376 Diagnosing the Type of Interpersonal Conflict 378 Conflict Focus 378 Conflict Source 380 Selecting the Appropriate Conflict Management Approach 383 Comparing Conflict Management and Negotiation Strategies 386 Selection Factors 386 Resolvi ng Interpersonal Confrontations Using the Collaborative Approach A General Framework for Collaborative Problem Solving 391 The Four Phases of Collaborative Problem Solving