Question

All goes wrong when, starved for lack of anything good in their own lives, men turn to public affairs hoping to snatch from thence the happiness they hunger for. They set about fighting for power and this . . . conflict ruins them and their country. The life of true philosophy is the only one that looks down upon offices of state. —Plato, The Republic Question Use the passage to answer the question. Based on this passage, with which of the following statements would Plato agree? (1 point) Responses Citizens are the best judges of who should rule over them. Citizens are the best judges of who should rule over them. People who seek public office cannot be trusted to act for the common good. People who seek public office cannot be trusted to act for the common good. Power is best left in the hands of the aristocracy because they know how to use it. Power is best left in the hands of the aristocracy because they know how to use it. Philosophers should not hold public office because they do not respect it. Philosophers should not hold public office because they do not respect it.

Answer 1

Based on the passage, Plato would agree with the statement: "People who seek public office cannot be trusted to act for the common good." The passage suggests that men, driven by a lack of fulfillment in their own lives, turn to public affairs in pursuit of happiness and power, which ultimately leads to conflict and ruin. This implies a skepticism about the motivations of those who seek public office, aligning with the idea that they may not act in the best interest of society.