Assoc. Prof. Muhammad Findi - Pemikiran Ekonomi Plato

Summary

In this lecture on Western pre-classical economic systems, the concept of economics is explained as the management of household resources for prosperity. The focus is on Plato’s philosophy, which opposed individualism and advocated for collective ownership of resources. Plato envisioned a society with three classes: rulers, soldiers, and farmers, all contributing to a collective system without individual control over resources. His anti-individualistic ideas influenced later economic systems, particularly communism in Eastern Europe, shaping political thought for centuries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Economics comes from the Greek words 'oikos' (household) and 'nomos' (management), meaning the management of household resources for prosperity.
• 😀 The lecture focuses on pre-classical Western economic systems, particularly those from ancient Greece.
• 😀 Plato and Aristotle were influential philosophers in shaping economic thought during this period.
• 😀 Plato's core idea was anti-individualism, advocating for collective ownership of resources instead of individual ownership.
• 😀 Plato believed in a structured society consisting of three main classes: rulers, soldiers, and workers (farmers).
• 😀 The idea of class divisions aimed to ensure no one individual could control resources, promoting collective responsibility.
• 😀 Plato's ideas had a significant influence on the development of collectivist ideologies like communism in Europe during the 16th-19th centuries.
• 😀 The state was seen as having significant power in managing economic resources and preventing capitalist forces from dominating the economy.
• 😀 Plato’s philosophy emphasized the need for a society with centralized economic control to maintain order and fairness.
• 😀 His teachings on collective ownership and anti-individualism laid the groundwork for later socialist and communist movements.
• 😀 The influence of Plato's economic ideas spread through both Western and Eastern Europe, particularly in the context of 16th-19th century political and economic changes.

Q & A

What is the origin of the term 'economics'?

The term 'economics' comes from two Greek words: 'oikos' meaning household and 'nomos' meaning management. Thus, economics refers to managing household resources to achieve prosperity.

Which two philosophers are central to the economic system discussed in the transcript?

The two philosophers central to the discussion are Plato and Aristotle, who greatly influenced economic thought in ancient Greece.

What was Plato's stance on individual ownership of resources?

Plato was against individual ownership of resources. He advocated for collective ownership and management of resources, promoting the idea of anti-individualism.

How did Plato's philosophy contribute to the development of collectivist ideologies?

Plato's rejection of private ownership and his emphasis on collective management of resources laid the foundation for later collectivist ideologies, such as communism.

What were the three classes proposed by Plato in his ideal society?

Plato proposed a three-class structure: rulers (governors/leaders), military (soldiers), and workers (farmers). Each class played a specific role in maintaining the collective society.

What role did the military play in Plato’s ideal society?

The military, or soldiers, were responsible for securing and protecting the state in Plato’s ideal society, ensuring its stability and safety.

What was the role of farmers in Plato’s economic system?

Farmers, or workers, were responsible for producing food and fulfilling the production needs of society in Plato's economic system.

What influence did Plato’s ideas have on political thought in Europe?

Plato's ideas on anti-individualism and collectivism influenced political thought in Europe, especially in the development of communism, particularly in Eastern Europe during the 16th to 19th centuries.

How did Plato’s concept of collectivism affect the rise of capitalist economies?

Plato's collectivist ideas reduced the space for capitalist economies to thrive, as the collective ownership and management of resources left little room for individual capitalists to control essential economic factors like land and labor.

How did Plato’s philosophy contrast with capitalist ideologies?

Plato’s philosophy contrasted with capitalist ideologies by promoting collective ownership and management of resources, whereas capitalism emphasizes private ownership and individual control of economic resources.