Plato and Aristotle Theory
Population
But the question arises, what was to become of children other than those who were heirs to the father's lot? In answer, Plato provided for a careful regulation of population. This was necessary to preserve the social equilibrium. His state was to consist of a limited number of citizens (5040). If the number began to decrease, prizes might be offered to encourage a growth of population; if there were an excess, colonies would be established. In this way that precise regulation of life contemplated by the philosopher might be rendered possible.
Thus the thought of the leading Athenian philosophers was hardly individualistic, though they went further than the Orientals in recognizing the importance to the state (society) of its individual members; for, like their government, the spirit of their philosophy was somewhat more democratic, and they saw that the welfare of the state depended upon that of the individual.
Population
But the question arises, what was to become of children other than those who were heirs to the father's lot? In answer, Plato provided for a careful regulation of population. This was necessary to preserve the social equilibrium. His state was to consist of a limited number of citizens (5040). If the number began to decrease, prizes might be offered to encourage a growth of population; if there were an excess, colonies would be established. In this way that precise regulation of life contemplated by the philosopher might be rendered possible.
Thus the thought of the leading Athenian philosophers was hardly individualistic, though they went further than the Orientals in recognizing the importance to the state (society) of its individual members; for, like their government, the spirit of their philosophy was somewhat more democratic, and they saw that the welfare of the state depended upon that of the individual.