The Platonic Results of the Wise Ruler Theory Acceptance for Avicenna’s Ethics
The primary objective of this paper is to demonstrate the parallels between Avicenna’s and Plato’s ethical philosophies through an examination of Avicenna’s endorsement of the concept of a wise ruler as the lawmaker of ethical principles. Embracing the theory of the wise ruler has profound implicati...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Interlibrary Loan: | Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany) |
| Published: |
2025
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| In: |
Sophia
Year: 2025, Volume: 64, Issue: 4, Pages: 687-701 |
| Further subjects: | B
Avicenna’s ethics
B Ethical system B The wise ruler theory B Trust B Human Being |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | The primary objective of this paper is to demonstrate the parallels between Avicenna’s and Plato’s ethical philosophies through an examination of Avicenna’s endorsement of the concept of a wise ruler as the lawmaker of ethical principles. Embracing the theory of the wise ruler has profound implications in Avicenna’s ethics. This study delves into four consequences that arise from Avicenna’s acceptance of this theory. Firstly, by employing this theory, Avicenna endeavors to establish a unified source for governmental, religious, and moral laws, thereby merging these three categories of laws. Secondly, the utilization of this theory gives rise to a distinctive conception of the human being, reminiscent of Plato’s depiction in the Myth of the Cave, which bears striking resemblance to Avicenna’s perspective. Thirdly, accepting this theory establishes a foundation for the relationship between the ruler and the general public, founded upon their trust in the ruler’s expertise in legislation. Lastly, this theory engenders the establishment of a form of metaethics, consequently facilitating the construction of an ethical system. These themes are discernible in both Avicenna’s ethical works and Plato’s republic and laws. |
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| ISSN: | 1873-930X |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Sophia
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1007/s11841-025-01068-8 |
