Abstract

The article examines the problem of managing society according to the principle of «the power of the best» in the system of socio-philosophical views of Plato and Aristotle. The main definitions of this concept in the political theories of prominent thinkers of antiquity are shown.

The purpose of this article is to analyze the views of ancient philosophers on the problem of the social avant-garde. This problem in ancient philosophy is represented, first of all, by the works of two of its most prominent representatives: Plato and Aristotle. Both thinkers did not use the concept of «social avant-garde», and the advanced part of society, which played a leading role in its development, was designated by them by the term "the best people". Understanding the role of the best people in the structure of the state and power occupies one of the central places in Plato's philosophical system. Plato calls the best people philosophers. It is the philosophers, according to Plato, who should have a leading role in the state. Highlighting the main features inherent in philosophers, Plato proceeds from reasoning about the three basic principles of the human soul: reasonable, unreasonable (desiring), and rage of the spirit (anger). These principles, according to the philosopher, are inherent

Key words: Power, the phenomenon of power, Plato, Aristotle, aristocracy