An Analysis of Politics in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy and Plato’s Philosophy

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were: 1) to study politics in Theravada Buddhist philosophy; 2) to study politics in Plato's philosophy; 3) to analyze politics in Theravada Buddhist philosophy and Plato's philosophy. This study was carried out by means of the documentary research through studying Tipitaka, academic documents and relevant research. The obtained data were interpreted by Descriptive Analysis.
The research results were as follows:
1. Politics in Theravada Buddhist philosophy is the organization of country affairs by any authority to achieve the goal, namely the interests of the people. It is to take care of human beings to live together in a fair and orderly manner whether the country is good and calm or not. It depends on human beings who are virtuous and give importance as an individual in society rather than a system of government or a state.
2. Politics in Plato's Philosophy is to bring justice to all and give importance to the system or society because man is a social animal, so that human beings cannot live alone. Plato predominantly considered the best state on its justice and to be governed by a sage king by introducing the concept of the republic, which is a desirable ideal society, characterized as a state or community that has a life of dependence on people in society.
3. Politics in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy and Plato's philosophy both emphasize on the development of human potential and qualities that show the importance of parenting. The need to have good rulers who are responsible for creating benefits and peace of the people is that the rulers must have Dhammas or morals. The Theravada Buddhist philosophy focuses on the individual who uses the Dhamma principles in self-government and society. Plato's philosophy, on the other hand, focuses on an educational system that enables the selection and production of people who are physically, intellectually, and morally qualified.