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By combining Plato’s and Aristotle’s arguments that the good life can be best achieved by placing power in the hands of a meritorious few, also known as an aristocracy, who are guided by reason, would help solve the tragedy of the commons because an aristocracy guided by reason will constantly be trying to find ways to enhance the lifestyle of the individual and the society they are found in. The reason why an aristocracy guided by reason can help solve the tragedy of the commons is because they have mastered control over their appetite and spirit and they have reason driving their soul, therefore their decision-making would be solely based on the well being of the individual as well as their community. According to Plato, the reason why the aristocracy, and in his case specifically philosophers, would be able to control their appetite and spirit through reason is because they have knowledge. As Plato says, “the philosophers, have the knowledge necessary to understand what is needed to secure a well-ordered city” [Plato, 34]. The quote later on explains that their knowledge also gives them the ability to moderate their appetite as well as bringing about courage. The reason why we do not want either spirit or appetite to be in control is because they can be very destructive if they are not moderated. A perfect example of this can be found in the world today. The reason why we are having all of these protests is because commercial businesses didn’t limit their appetite and kept on growing without regards to the well being of society. We can also see in Hardin’s example of the herdsmen and the pasture that when appetite gets the best of you, the only outcome will be the tragedy of the commons [Hardin]. While it is vital to have reason guiding your soul, one person with this virtue is not enough. A group of these “type” of people would work better because they would be able to bounce ideas off of each other and ultimately reach concord. As Aristotle says, “the

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