Preventing Inevitable Decline: The Message Plato and the Roman Empire Send to the American People

Plato’s Theory of Inevitable Decline outlined heavily in his Republic provides the basis for this paper. One can compare his theory to several governments throughout history, such as the Roman Empire. By examining the Roman Empire, one identifies three areas where the republic erred: education, military defenses, and economic flourishing. Mistakes in these areas led to the country’s downfall. Taking Plato’s theory and drawing from Rome’s example, Plato’s Theory of Inevitable Decline can be tested against several independent variables in present-day America. The state of American decline can be studied by examining her education system, military defenses against outside threats, and environment for economic flourishing. These three variables must be examined “then and now,” studying how they used to exist and how they have changed in recent years. Finally, this study will recommend the best course of action for America in light of her present state to prevent inevitable decline for the foreseeable future.