According to Plato, Philosopher king is the symbol of knowledge and sacrifice. Plato has given absolute power to the philosopher king with only one exception of the constitution which he cannot change. Philosopher king has the ultimate knowledge which cannot be challenged or changed by the common people or the book of laws. If we limit the powers of philosopher king with ordinary wisdom of people that would be foolish to limit the expert of medicine by the book of medicine. He is a man of reason and has knowledge of philosophy and he knows the path of "good life". According to Plato, good life is the final justice to the people and path of a just state by the just king only.
Aristotle is the critique of the Institution of philosopher king. Aristotle prefers rule of law over the rule of men. Howsoever knowledgeable he is. It is impossible to find a philosopher king. Philosopher king was also a human being. If he has a reason, he also has an appetite. It may happen that appetite becomes dominant over reason. Until now law has served the purpose. Law represents collective wisdom and wisdom of ages.
According to Aristotle, Plato is sacrificing good for the sake of best. But best is unachievable. If the rule of philosopher is best then rule of law is best practicable. The ideas of Aristotle are more practical than Plato. It appeals to common sense as suggested by Lord Acton, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Hence, there should be checks and balances.
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