Question

What were the political philosophies of the ancient Greek government during its major city-state periods and the Egyptian government during its dynastic periods?

Answer 1

The political philosophies of ancient Greece and Egypt varied significantly due to their distinct cultural, social, and historical contexts. Below is an overview of the major political philosophies during the prominent periods of city-states in ancient Greece and the dynastic phases of ancient Egypt.

### Ancient Greek City-States

1. **Democracy in Athens (5th Century BCE):**
- **Philosophy:** Athenian democracy is characterized by direct participation of citizens in political decisions. The concept of egalitarianism was significant, as citizens (free males) had equal rights to participate in the Assembly, vote on laws, and hold public office.
- **Influence of Philosophers:** Philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle contributed to political thought. Plato critiqued democracy in "The Republic," advocating for a philosopher-king and the rule of the wisest, while Aristotle analyzed different government forms, promoting a mixed government that balanced democracy, oligarchy, and monarchy.

2. **Oligarchy:**
- **Philosophy:** In some city-states like Sparta and during specific periods in Athens, oligarchy characterized governance. A small group of elites held power, often justified by their superior wisdom or wealth. In Sparta, the dual kingship and the council of elders (Gerousia) emphasized stability and military prowess over broad citizen participation.

3. **Tyranny:**
- **Philosophy:** Tyrants often rose during political turmoil. While tyrants were viewed negatively in Athenian democracy, some governed effectively, focusing on public welfare. Philosophers debated their legitimacy and moral implications, with some arguing that a benevolent ruler could enact positive change.

4. **Hellenistic Period (Post-Alexander the Great):**
- **Philosophy:** Political thought during this era became more cosmopolitan, with influences from various cultures. Ideas from Stoicism and Epicureanism emphasized the pursuit of personal virtue and happiness, influencing political ideals towards governance that promotes individual well-being.

### Ancient Egyptian Dynasties

1. **Theocratical Monarchy:**
- **Philosophy:** Ancient Egypt was characterized by a theocratic system where the Pharaoh was viewed as a divine ruler, embodying both religious and political authority. This divine kingship established a central ideology where the pharaoh was responsible for maintaining ma’at (cosmic order, truth, and justice).
- **Administration:** The bureaucracy helped govern; officials and priests played crucial roles in administering the state and maintaining religious practices that justified the pharaoh’s power.

2. **Community and Hierarchical Order:**
- **Philosophy:** Society was stratified, with a clear hierarchical order. Nobility and priesthood held significant power, and the political philosophy centered on the maintenance of social order and stability through a well-defined class system.
- **Role of the Nile:** The Nile River's predictable flooding cycles also influenced governance, as the Pharaoh was seen as the one who controlled and utilized its resources for agriculture, emphasizing his role as a provider and protector.

3. **The Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom Changes:**
- **Philosophy:** During the Middle Kingdom, political ideals shifted slightly towards more bureaucratic administration and less absolute power for pharaohs. The New Kingdom further expanded on the empire’s military power and external relations while maintaining the religious framework supporting the pharaoh's authority.

### Comparison

In summary, ancient Greek political philosophies tended to grapple with the role of the individual and the collective in governance, exploring ideas of liberty, justice, and civic participation. In contrast, ancient Egyptian political philosophy was deeply intertwined with religion, emphasizing the divine nature of kingship, social hierarchy, and stability over individual rights. The Greek focus on democracy and civic action contrasted sharply with the Egyptian emphasis on the central authority of a divine ruler and hierarchical social order.