Lauren Judy

Western Cultures

Week 15- Final

December 5, 2021

My ideal society is a society that provides more equality and greater access to opportunity. My

perfect society would extend a sense of meaning and individual purpose. People would be able

to contribute based on their talents and strengths. An ideal society should focus on the human

experience and on the world’s environmental changes. Family and community would also be

another focus of my society. I believe focusing on these attributes such as human experience,

family, community, environmental issues, etc. would build stronger communities and

governance. Diverse interests and believes in my society would be appreciated and centered.

Diversity may separate people and states, but it provides the opportunity for a more diverse

environment to grow. A community with different racial and ethnic background creates a

positive effect on people to the extent to which they identify with humanity. Aristotle justifies

the division of competing interests by believing the application of natural state exists by nature.

I encourage differences, having a diverse community is such a positive impact on

an environment. Studies show that organizations, businesses, communities, etc. all benefit from

having a more diverse state (Kitchener, 1999).

Out of the three-justice systems we discussed, Cephalus, Polemarchus, and

Thrasymachus, I would lean more to a justice system like Polemarchus; Polemarchus believed

justice could be defined by "doing good to friends and harm to enemies." I believe that

Polemarchus idea of justice was centered around fairness and balance. If something good

happens to you, you should return the favor. If you are treated well then you are obligated to

give the same treatment back. I agree with his statement partially, doing well by someone who

as treated you well does create a balance of justice. Although I agree with the first half of

Polemarchus statement I do not agree with the second half. Harming enemies is not an

achievement of justice. Justice may be viewed as giving a person what they deserve to create

an equilibrium, but I don't believe harming your enemies will bring a calm state of mind or

justice between the enemies (Bloom, 1991).

Religion should be personal and sacred; in my society everyone is free to follow their

own beliefs and paths. Learning more about the core beliefs of Muslims was very interesting to

me, and I think with a diverse society comes diverse beliefs and religions. One think that I really

liked about Judaism are the five pillars which include profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving,

fasting, and pilgrimage. An example of one of the five pillars, is giving to the poor. I think charity
would also be a focus of my ideal society much like the Muslims; Muslims are expected to

donate a fixed amount of their property every year. Societies should include more diverse

religions and ethnicity. I want a society that makes everyone feel comfortable to be a part of.

Ethnic and religious minorities should be celebrated and bring more people to together.

I think political leaders would play a strong role in my society; ideally strong leaders

make a stronger society. Leaders should be mission driven, creative problem solvers,

demonstrate integrity and lastly, they should communicate their vision. A good leader should

be truthful, kind, and have good morals. I would not want a leader such as Thrasymachus;

Thrasymachus defined justice as what the powerful say it is. I don’t like this outlook on leading

because political leaders should listen to and take their people into consideration. I prefer the

way Socrates advocates and the huge influence on legal conduct in western society. He

encouraged curiosity and inspired people to question what was right and wrong with

society to establish what was good and bad (Plato Republic).

My ideal society would be a society that is accepting to all and goes about leading

people and facing struggles truthfully and morally.