The Power of Corruption: Xenophon on the Upbringing of a Good Citizen in Sparta

In the given article, author offers an interpretation of work titled Lacedaimonion Politeia, written by ancient political philosopher Xenophon Athens. Judging from Xenophon’s sober and open-minded attitude to regime he researches, focuses on central issue treatise, namely, upbringing a virtuous or good citizen. This became cornerstone Sparta’s success as polis, provided it with fame unique entity praised all, but copied none. The identifies three stages Spartan education continues practices its implementation at mature age. research makes clear that purpose laws Lycurgus, described Xenophon, is twofold. On one hand, instill respect, obedience, virtue manliness which lawgiver desired in citizens. other create citizens who merely imitate above-described traits character law-abidance, are actually more like unmitigated criminals constantly fighting each other. It second type people—good criminals—who find themselves power Sparta, they ones end up destroying state. By providing this diagnosis attempts show handling problem suggested Sparta misguided requires additional deliberation.