Sparta vs. Athens (Lycurgus vs. Pericles Funeral Oration) Free Essay Example, 1250 words

Sparta vs. Athens Lycurgus" vs. "Pericles Funeral Oration Introduction The importance of justice in building a formidable society cannot be overemphasized. This is because societies that thrive both economically and politically have been known to act in a justice and fair manner (Galston 18-78). Social justice is simply a moral conception and has to do with giving a person or a group of people what belongs to them in terms of entitlement and morality. Injustice breeds rebellion and discomfort. Such a state of mind is dangerous for any nation and thus cannot thrive. The freedom given to a people in terms of equal rights has a major bearing on the success of such a society. The existence of free and equal people in a society, presence of personal and political liberties, giving equal opportunity to all and an aspect of cooperation does benefit a society more (Bates 12-26). The idea of equal justice for all is seen to be evaluated in these two states. The poor treatment of women in so ciety comes into focus when we look at these two states. Injustices were committed to the female gender and actually what is referred to as equal justice is totally imbalanced (Keyt133–52). We will write a custom essay sample on Sparta vs. Athens (Lycurgus vs. Pericles Funeral Oration) or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now This has to do with the weakness experienced within these two societies where equal freedom was infringed by the presence of social classes or limits put on the public life especially when it came to the female gender (Collins 67-87). Discussion There were in existence two major forms of governance in the ancient Greece in form of democracy practiced in Athens and Oligarchy in Sparta. Military capabilities became the main focus at the time for the Spartans while on the other hand the Athenians concentrated more on gaining comfort and cultural practices (Thucydides 202-209). The oligarchy kind of governance made Sparta have a war-like attitude which was the first priority given and seemed to meet the needs of the people. An authoritative and potent kind of state came into existence in Sparta empowered by such war-like attitude. There are various contrasting issues that were in place such as the rights of women, availability of social strata, and the value that was put to human life. The power was simply held by a group of ephors who were only five men. There was a general call from the constitution to all men to engage in military education at a tender age of seven for training on being tough and self-sufficient. The indiv idual’s life was meant for the state where one lived and died for it.