Final answer:
Plato and Al-Farabi's ideal societies both advocate for a philosopher ruler and a virtuous, structured society aiming for true happiness, differing from democratic or individualistic systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The similarities between Plato’s Republic and Al-Farabi’s cities of excellence lie in their idealized society structures that emphasize the role of a philosopher ruler and the importance of a virtuous society. In both Plato's and Al-Farabi's visions, the just city is ruled by a philosopher, who is seen as most capable of making wise and just decisions. The ideal society is one where citizens are assigned roles based on their natural attributes, actions, and behaviors, with an ultimate goal of achieving true happiness via virtuous living. This contrasts with concepts such as democracy and individualism; rather, both philosophies advocate for a structured, almost theocratic rule, where those with knowledge and virtue lead the society.