The idea of the rule of law in the views of ancient thinkers

The article analyzes the ideological foundations of the rule of law in the views of ancient thinkers. It is noted that during the period under study, philosophers deeply comprehended a number of conceptual important issues related to the State, law, justice, etc. In this regard, the author cites the opinion of the ancient Greek thinker Plato, who in his works proposed to understand the State on the basis of the idea of goodness and justice as the fundamental principles of its prosperity. The article characterizes Plato’s views on the model of a happy state, in particular his position that wisdom, courage, prudence and justice play an important role in a truly happy state. At the same time, the essence of his concept of the ideal state is illustrated, which consisted in the subordination of all citizens to the law, ensuring order and peace for all. The author analyzes Aristotle’s position that each person has a relationship to the State, similar to the relationship of a part to the whole, and human nature strives for State unification as a means of satisfying needs and harmonizing interests in society. He viewed the state as an order designed for the happiness of citizens, emphasizing the need to take into account the interests of the entire population. The author also presents his opinion that the best form of state is the one that combines aristocracy, oligarchy, and democracy, ensuring moderation in politics and power. At the same time, he presents his ideas about the law as an act of the legislator, defining its importance in the social order. The philosopher emphasized the importance of the rule of law in a state governed by the rule of law, where the law should rule, not those in power, and emphasized the need for justice in the creation and application of law. Cicero’s views on the emergence of the state are reflected. It is stated that in his reflections, the thinker considered the main factor in uniting people to be the peculiarity of human nature, insistently pointing to the innate need to live together and communicate. The author analyzes the philosopher’s position that only the law based on natural laws can determine the fairness and reasonableness of the law, and only those rules that promote the welfare of the people and the state can be called laws. He argued that laws should be fair and beneficial to all.