The writings of Aristotle have to be taken in the context of the time that they were written.  It is almost common sense that a leader should possess the characteristics of “phronesis”.  The problem is that Aristotle was probably referring to an emperor. The character of phronesis is something that has to be developed overtime and can never really be tested until that person is in a position to rule.  When I vote I strive to pick the candidate that I believe has the wisdom and insight to make the right decisions. A system had to be developed to make sure the leader does not become the absolute ruler, which is why we no longer have the aristocracy in decision making positions. One can even say that the new candidates for president come from old dynasties that are heavily connected in Washington which resemble ancient Greece.  It is also clear that Aristotle understood the necessities of separating the different branches of government and gives the rationale for his theories in his writings.  Aristotle speaks of having absolute knowledge of finances, goods, and the ability to import and export material.  The military branch of decision making would have to include an extensive knowledge of history, allies, borders and what actions other nations took to prevail or simply live in peace.  Aristotle speaks of having expert knowledge of the law and legislation (ancient lawyer) and maintaining a balance that is neither excessive nor too relaxed that would eventually cause rebellion.  All these systems have to be in place in order to create an environment so that people may pursue happiness.  Happiness is the goal of a just society according to Aristotle.

The expert knowledge required by a leader or leaders is reiterated thousands of years later by Walter Lippman who believed that people make judgments based on pictures in their mind and not the actual facts.  This is a practical point that causes misjudgments and bad decisions to be made on a daily bases.  I see it on a very small level at work.  I have also succumbed to the images in my mind of old situations and made bad decisions.  I think drawing conclusions, however right or wrong, is necessary unless you plan to research every topic you come in contact with.  A separate fact finding branch of the government should not be developed because it could never really address every issue without making any errors.  It would simply not be possible.  Exactly, who is going to manage the fact finders themselves and double check their facts.  What I find disturbing is that Walter Lippman suggests that the fact finders determine what should be stated in the media.  Lippman suggests that censorship of nonsense be imposed which would directly infringe on the freedom of free speech.    I do believe that the average person does need to be well informed and needs accurate information. However, it takes internal motivation and not simply controlling the media.

James Madison understood basic human nature and developed a practical paradigm to address the inevitable factiousness that would eventually develop amongst different groups of people. It is the essence of factiousness itself that will cause the eventual checks of the laws to be upheld. As a result, the majority cannot have absolute power of a minority.  This is definitely not always the case in terms of majority control but it does prevent insurrection.  This was realism at its best.  James Madison took corrective action and implemented system checks and balances to prevent absolute group domination.  As discussed in class, only white property owning men were allowed to vote during the time that the Federalist papers were drafted.

Finally, John Dewey took a philosophical stance stating that democracy is the people themselves living side by side with different opinions, from different racial backgrounds, and different religions demonstrating tolerance. The belief of human potential and goodwill to strive and create environments to foster human development is the essence of democracy according to Dewey. John Dewey speaks of a democratic faith, which is a beautiful concept. A total belief in equality and the ability to develop any gifts you have without being shut out or held down by another group of people. This is the goal that democracy strives to achieve but often fails. Unfortunately, John Dewey never lived to see this utopia exist even here in the United States because when he died in 1952 there was still segregation of the African American citizens.