Formation of representations on rationality in the antique political philosophy

Abstract

This article examines the formation of representations on rationality from the perspective of political and administerial views the philosophers of Antiquity. The author describes the conception of rational thinking back in the Ancient Greece, analyzes the factors and prerequisites, cites fundamental terms and concepts, as well as explicates rationalistic views of ancient philosophers who addressed political and administerial topics in their works. Rationality is viewed as a phenomenon. The existing types of rationality are listed. Attention is given to description of the environment that affected the formation of rationalistic approach due to its strong impact upon further development of thinking. The author notes the influence of education in Antiquity as a cultural phenomenon on the development of language, definitions, concepts, and scientific-theoretical thinking as a conceptual activity. The conclusion is made that having emerged in Antiquity, rationality is still the most adequate means of cognizing the world, including the questions of power and administration. Philosophical grounds of rationality, rooted in Antiquity, became a solid foundation for European rationalism. Awarding reason with a “title” of most adequate instrument of cognition allowed the philosophers to formulate categories and concepts for objective understanding of the world, translate thinking into the platitude of abstract concepts. Rational thinking received due development within political philosophy by making the ability to sound reasoning and reasonable decisions the core virtue of a politician. Rationality still holds an important place within political philosophy and philosophy of management, being of the most discussed and relevant topics.