Wherever magistrates were appointed from among those who complied with the injunctions of the laws, Socrates considered the government to be an aristocracy.

Summary

In this quote, Socrates suggests that a government can be considered an aristocracy if its magistrates are chosen from a group of individuals who adhere to the requirements and commands of the laws. He believes that a society governed by those who follow and uphold the laws demonstrates a form of rule by the best or most virtuous, thus resembling an aristocracy.

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