Analysis Of The Perfect State

The Perfect State, a sociological analysis of political theory with a philosophic perspective adopted by Plato and Aristotle, was produced by Abu Nasr Al-Farabi in the early tenth century, most likely written while he was living in Baghdad working as a philosopher, scientist, writer and teacher. Farabi is responsible for generous additions to science, philosophy, logic, sociology, medicine, mathematics and music during his lifetime. Due to his major contributions in philosophy, logic and sociology in particular, Farabi earned the nick-name of the “second teacher,” behind Aristotle. One can speculate that his intended audience for The Perfect State was the people of Islam, but it was probably more specifically intended for Arabic speaking, literate, Muslim intellectuals. This work may also have been aimed at contemporary or later rulers, or anyone of legitimate power, to better inform them how they should conduct themselves and their state. While little is known for sure about his life, the legacy and works of Abu Nasr Al-Farabi are vast.

In this work Faribi believes that the philosopher logically seeks political power. He describes a noble hierarchical society based on a Neo-platonic notion of the Divine, in which the duty of the ruler is to instruct and lead the people to act in the way that will attain their ultimate happiness. Just as the ruling organ of the body by its nature is the most perfect the ruler of a city is the most perfect part of the city. Also as the heart in the body rules the parts that are less noble the ruler controls the subject less noble than him. The cities whose citizens had no occasion to obtain knowledge about divinity or about perfection and happiness these are the ignorant cities. Citizens wh...

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...sh Seljuk Caliphate, resulting in the power of the empire growing decentralized, with religious differences causing splintered groups to emerge, and eventually shattering.

Alfarabi endeavored to encourage political order against an environment of unsteadiness and changes, where two factions competed for rule in the Muslim world. This instability was unrelenting even with the establishment of the Abbasid caliphs. Following this phase of hostility, there were five different Caliphs in just nine years. This episode of volatility happened approximately at the moment in time that Alfarabi began his political writings. Perhaps this era influenced his writings on political theories with his focus to educate fellow Muslims and easing tensions between groups. This text expresses the deep concerns of the Muslims with the growing factions and expansion of Islamic cities.