Final answer:
The author's perspective on effective rulership is influenced by various beliefs and values, such as Plato's idea of philosopher-kings, Al-Farabi's notion of divinely determined supreme rulers, and the Mohists' ideal of virtuous public leaders, all underpinned by ideas of political legitimacy and governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The beliefs and values that influenced an author's perspective on what it takes to be an effective ruler vary greatly among different philosophical traditions and historical periods. Plato, for instance, envisioned a society led by philosopher-kings, believing that such leaders would govern justly due to their advanced education and virtue. Influenced by Plato, Al-Farabi also emphasized the role of a virtuous leader, one whom he thought to be determined by divine will as the supreme ruler with both practical and theoretical knowledge. On the contrary, the Mohists advocated for rulers who displayed virtues publicly, instigating moral emulation among the populace.
Underlying these perspectives are different conceptions of political legitimacy and the concept of the divine rule, as seen in the case of the Mohists. In European tradition, divine rule legitimized monarchs, claiming their authority as ordained by God, which contrasted with later emerging ideas of representative government and social contract theory. Furthermore, the role of government in shaping citizens' virtues, as envisaged by Aristotle, also contributes to these varying perspectives, suggesting that the right kind of government helps inculcate wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice in its citizens.
It's clear that throughout history, the viewpoints on effective rulership have reflected the philosophical and ideological environment of the time, shaped by the prevailing notions of authority and the role of government in relation to its citizens.