Aristotle defends his claim of polity as the ideal constitution by arguments taken from his ethical thoughts, namely his theories of mean, virtue and equality.
The first part of the essay will therefore discuss these ethical concepts before in the second part Aristotle’s arguments leading to his first ‘ideal’ constitution - aristocracy - will be laid down. Discussing several problems of an aristocracy in the third part, the essay will describe Aristotle’s real preference for polity as a ‘mixed’ and ‘middle’ constitution in the fourth part. The last chapter is dedicated to reflect Aristotle’s discussion shortly in today’s light and present some points of critique.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Aristotle's Ethical Concepts
3. Aristotle's Argument for Aristocracy
4. Aristotle's Preference for Polity
5. Reflection and Critique
Objectives and Core Topics
This essay explores Aristotle's political philosophy, specifically aiming to identify the characteristics of his "best practicable constitution" (polity) and examining his justification for preferring this model over aristocracy, while grounded in his ethical theories of virtue, equality, and the mean.
- Analysis of Aristotelian ethical foundations (virtue, justice, equality)
- Aristotle’s initial arguments favoring aristocracy
- The concept of "polity" as a mixed and middle constitution
- The significance of the "middle class" in ensuring political stability
- Critical reflection on the contemporary relevance of Aristotle’s political theory
Excerpt from the Book
Aristotle's Preference for Polity
Polity as an uncorrupted ‘rule of masses’ is in Aristotle’s sense „a mixture between oligarchy and democracy“ (1992: 259) – a mixture of two corrupt forms. These two by definition ‘bad’ forms of government turn into a desired one when mixed. Aristotle´s theory of the mean as mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs applies here again: virtue is always the mean between deficiency and excess; the good constitution is such a mean, as well: it is a „middle position {...}{where} each of the two extremes appear in {...} (Aristotle, 1992: 262). Within this mixed constitution of government, the middle constitution, i.e. a large middle population, is promoted as well. So Bluhm states (1962: 748): „The polity is constructed on the best principles and best absolutely, not relatively to particular circumstances“.
Thus, a combination of mixed and middle constitution is the solution for Aristotle’s search for the ideal state; a state constituted in this sense comes nearest to his ideal of a ‘classless’ society (Bluhm, 1962: 759). The principles of his Ethics - virtue, mean and equality are the reasons for him to dismiss his first choice, aristocracy, in favour of polity (Aristotle, 1992: 239). Nevertheless, scholars still argue about whether Aristotle really rejects aristocracy in favour of polity (see Bluhm, 1962; Barker, 1961) and even more whether his points are still interesting for today’s politics.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the core ethical concepts (virtue, mean, equality) that serve as the foundation for Aristotle’s political arguments in the subsequent sections.
2. Aristotle's Ethical Concepts: This section elaborates on the Nicomachean Ethics and Metaphysics, focusing on the concepts of human nature, justice, and the "mean" as essential precursors to understanding his political system.
3. Aristotle's Argument for Aristocracy: This chapter examines Aristotle’s initial justification for aristocracy, where virtuous individuals, best equipped to rule, are viewed as essential for the most desirable state.
4. Aristotle's Preference for Polity: This part details why Aristotle ultimately favors a "middle constitution" or "polity," highlighting the stability of a large middle class and the balancing of oligarchic and democratic elements.
5. Reflection and Critique: The final chapter reflects on the contemporary relevance of Aristotelian political science, acknowledging its foundational role while noting limitations regarding modern complexities and state sizes.
Keywords
Aristotle, Polity, Aristocracy, Nicomachean Ethics, Virtue, Equality, Mean, Constitution, Political Philosophy, Justice, Middle Class, Mixed Government, Rule of the Many, Zoon Politicon, Political Science
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines Aristotle's political thought, specifically his transition from a preference for aristocracy to the advocacy of a "polity" as the best practicable form of government.
Which central themes are explored?
The core themes include the role of virtue in governance, the importance of distributive justice, the concept of the mean, and the stability provided by a significant middle-class population.
What is Aristotle's ultimate goal for a state?
Aristotle’s goal is to establish a political organization that allows citizens to achieve their best potential and live a happy, virtuous life within a stable, mixed constitution.
Which methodology is applied in the essay?
The author uses a qualitative analysis of classical texts, primarily the Politics and Nicomachean Ethics, supported by scholarly commentary to synthesize Aristotle’s political arguments.
What content is covered in the main body?
The main body systematically explores Aristotle’s ethical framework, his initial views on aristocracy, the practical advantages of his proposed "middle constitution," and a critique of his concepts.
How would you describe the key terminology?
The paper relies on Aristotelian terminology such as "zoon politicon," "polity," "mean," and "distributive justice," reflecting the foundational vocabulary of classical political theory.
Why does Aristotle reject the pure form of aristocracy?
Aristotle moves away from pure aristocracy because of practical concerns and his recognition that the collective virtue of the masses, when combined into a "polity," can be more stable and just than the rule of a few.
How does the "middle class" contribute to political stability in this model?
The middle class acts as a buffer between the wealthy and the poor, preventing the rise of factions and fostering a sense of shared responsibility and friendship essential for a functioning state.
- Quote paper
- Johannes Lenhard (Author), 2009, The best practicable constitution (polity) and Aristotle's justification of this constitution over his real preference for aristocracy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/142315
