Aristocracy in Plato and al-Fārābī

In this article, in reference to the works of al-Fārābī, Fusûlu’l-Medenî, el-Medînetu’l-Fâzıla, es-Siyâsetu’l-Medeniyye and Tahsîlu’s-Saâde, in which his views on philosophy of politics are mostly dealt with, we tried to examine whether there is a sort of an authentic design of state, though based on the idea of state/republic emerged in the traditions of Plato and Aristotle. With the drive under the impact of the society in which he lived in, the description coined by al-Fārābī, (ehass’ul-havâs), “crème de la crème”, is clearly different from the aristocratic regime appeared during and after the traditions of Plato and Aristotle, has been dwelt on. It is emphasized that the philosopher focuses on a design of ideal society different from the one based on aristocracy flourished in the course of history. It is signified that there are difference between the designs of al-Fārābī and Plato. The emphasis made by al-Fārābī that one has to be innately skilful so as to be good leader – different from aristocracy’s supremacy based on genealogy, has been concluded to insufficient to become a well-qualified administrator.