2012-02-04, 06:07 PM
Aristocracy can also satisfy the one-person-rule-all criterion of autocracy, tyranny and dictatorship, as idealized in Plato's state with a philosopher king.
I would suppose the difference between aristocracy and those other forms of government lies not in the quantity of people in power (elite members of SP having a say in its legislation), but rather in how the legislation is carried out.
Aristocratic people rule because they are most fit to rule while, in similar fashion, other people fit at other positions do their jobs as such. This division of labor works towards the best interest of the community as a whole.
Dictators rule because they want to rule, possibly for personal benefits.
I would suppose the difference between aristocracy and those other forms of government lies not in the quantity of people in power (elite members of SP having a say in its legislation), but rather in how the legislation is carried out.
Aristocratic people rule because they are most fit to rule while, in similar fashion, other people fit at other positions do their jobs as such. This division of labor works towards the best interest of the community as a whole.
Dictators rule because they want to rule, possibly for personal benefits.