ARISTOTLE’S

POLITICS
Caminong, Padrones, Prado
Who is Artistotle?
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

A seventeen year old colonial who recently arrived in

Athens. He enrolled himself to Plato’s Academy instead of the
school of Isocrates.
Developed a political philosophy that emphasized the rule of
law, constitutionalism. Closer democratic ideal than Plato and
Socrates.

Born on Stagira, on the borders of Macedonia. Aristotle is of

Ionian origin.
Aristotle’s Biography

His father was a physician of note, appointed to Macedonian

court. His interest was first brought by his father’s occupation,
that directed him to develop the scientific method, involving
the techniques of classification and comparison.

He was 37 when he left Plato’s academy, but continued his

education efforts in company with other ex members of the
academy at Assus; later he studied Marine biology at Lesbos at the
age of 40.
Aristotle’s Biography
Married the niece of Hermias and soon after
summoned by Philip of Macedon to tutor the
young prince Alexander.

In year 335, he returned to Athens and established his own

school: The Lyceum.
Had a well-publicized falling out with Alexander, but even after
Alexander’s death, the Athenian’s bitterness was still directed to
him.
Left immediately for Chalcis, where he waited for cooling of the
Athenian tempers or the restoration of Macedonian control.
Aristotle’s Method
Aristotle is considered the first-known political
scientist.
He believed in constructing the ideal state but
acknowledged the limitations of human nature.
The principal objective is to establish the best
practicable state based on existing virtues and abilities.
On the Purpose of Politics...
Aristotle and Plato agreed on the indispensability of the
state for human life and fulfillment.
On the View of Tradition and Customs...
Aristotle favored an evolutionary view of scientific
investigation, emphasizing the examination of historic
processes.
 The State Origin and Purpose
State or Polis is the highest organization of the thought
which man strives for moral perfection.

The state is a community that makes possible a better, fuller

life than could be attained without it.

Aristotle uses the analogy of the flower seed. The seed is less
representative of the true nature of the species than is the
flower in full bloom.
Aristotle’s theory of development is totally Greek. Aristotle
sought to provide a comprehensive system of knowledge and
understanding that could explain the workings of the natural
world and guide human behavior towards virtue and flourishing.

The state represents the culmination of institutional

development, but it is prior to the individual and to all other (and
subsidiary) organizations because outside the state man is a
meaningless fragment.

Aristotle proposed a moderately organic theory of the state, one

that saw the individual as a part of the state, drawing from it
those benefits which give him dignity and stature as a human
being.
 The Various Forms of States
The state may assume an infinite variety of forms
A state may be good without being perfect, and man must do the best
they can with a bad state.
The measure of goodness or justness of a state is its capacity to
serve the general interest.
2 kinds of Constitution:
Right Constitution- considers the common interest
Wrong Constitution/ perversions of the right forms- consider only
the personal interest of the rulers

A constitution is the basic law determining the allocation of power

within the state as well as the distribution of rights and rewards.
The Various Forms of States
Since men do not contribute equally, the exercise of power and
the receipt of rewards will also be unequally distributed. This is
Aristotle’s principle of distributive justice.
Claims to political rights must be based on the ground of
contribution to the elements which constitute the being of the
state.

Right Constitutions Wrong Constitutions

1. Monarchy 1. Tyranny
2. Aristocracy 2. Oligarchy
3. Polity 3. Extreme Democracy
Ideal State
The ideal states are monarchical and aristocratic.
Aristotle entertains the idea of a perfect ruler or family with
exceptional talent and ability. He Acknowledges that in such a
hypothetical scenario, it would be unjust to force them into equal
positions with other citizens.

He also emphasizes the lack of actual perfect individuals or

groups in reality.

There are no perfect men and thus no philosopher-kings.

Monarchical rule tends to be selfish and lacks legal restraint.

.
Virtue, Equality, and Claim to Power
Plato suggested virtuous rule; Aristotle agrees in theory but questions
practical implementation.

Virtue may imply equality; debate over what equality represents virtue.

Two significant claims to power: based on property rights and the

welfare claims of the people. But questions equating political power
solely with property ownership.
No single class or person has a totally valid claim to power; each claim must
be considered.
Aristotle advocates for using general rules predominantly, with allowance
for special legislation, equity, and arbitration in the interests of justice.
 Virtue, Equality, and Claim to Power
.
Aristotle's Practical Approach to Political Power

He acknowledges real-world issues of property and numbers in political

governance.

Slavery is justified when the slave is considered naturally inferior to

the master.

Aristotle recognizes that distinctions between free and slave are not always
easily perceived.
 The Area of Practicability

Understand Determine
practicable Learn how to components of the
Study the ideal constitutions in preserve and best practicable
constitution given circumstances, reform existing average
acknowledging constitutions. constitution for all
imperfections. states.

Fourfold Task of the Statesman and Political Scientist

Relation between Laws and Constitutions
Laws must align with the constitution of a state. Different kinds of
constitutions require different kinds of laws.

Evolution of Aristotle's Constitutional Discussions:

In the Politics, Aristotle intertwines politics and ethics in constitutional
discussions.
Initially, a constitution reflects the citizen's way of life; later, it becomes a
legal and political document.
 In his Practical Realism, Aristotle deals with affairs as they are, even advising
tyrants on maintaining their rule. He warns about the disparity between how a
constitution is supposed to operate and how it actually does.
States are predominantly oligarchic or democratic. Factors like wealth
distribution and class disposition influence a state's form.

Types of Democracies and Oligarchies

Oligarchies
Democracies vary
depend on the
from moderate to
extreme based on concentration of
the distribution of property and
power. political power.
Aristotle’s Criticism of Ideal States
Aristotle's criticism of the ideal state, as articulated in his work "Politics," revolves
around the practical challenges and limitations inherent in attempting to realize a
perfectly just and harmonious society.

Aristotle critiques the idea of an ideal state as overly utopian and divorced from the
realities of human nature and social dynamics.

Aristotle acknowledges that achieving the ideal state is practically unattainable due to
the imperfect nature of human beings and the inherent complexities of social
organization.

Aristotle highlights the inherent conflicts of interest within society, including those
between different social classes, individuals, and groups.
Aristotle warns of the tendency for political systems to degenerate over time, as rulers become
corrupted by power and self-interest.

Aristotle emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in governance, arguing that
political systems should be responsive to changing circumstances and the evolving needs of
society.

The Republic of Plato is often superficial and sometimes inconsistent, too often attacking
minor features of Plato’s plan and ignoring the essence. Nevertheless Book II of Aristotle’s
Ideal State constitutes a not inconsiderable portion of the politics and should not be ignored.

Aristotle offers critiques of democracy and oligarchy, highlighting their potential

shortcomings and vulnerabilities to corruption and tyranny. He argues that both systems can
be prone to the rule of self-interest rather than the common good.
Aristotle Ideal State
Aristotle appears more concerned with the ideals of the good state
than with the elaborate formulation of a hypothetical but
unrealizable perfect structure.

Aristotle's ideal state, as outlined in his work "Politics," is based on

the concept of achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing, through
the cultivation of virtue within a well-ordered society.

The state exists to enable citizens to live a good life, which involves
the pursuit of virtue and the development of their potential.

Aristotle believed in the importance of laws that are just and

promote the common good. He emphasized the rule of law over the
rule of individuals.
Aristotle proposed a mixed constitution that combines
elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, with a
balance of power between different social classes.

Aristotle stressed the importance of education in cultivating

virtuous citizens who are capable of contributing to the well-
being of the state.

Aristotle advocated for a system of property ownership that

balances private property rights with a sense of community
and common ownership.
The Polity

Aristotle advocates for a state based on a balance of

democratic and oligarchic principles. This state, called
the polity or constitutional state, is practical
rather than ideal.

Society comprises two contending forces: quantity

(democratic) and quality (oligarchic).

Balancing quantity and quality negates their worst

features and achieves stability. Power in a middle class can
check extreme oligarchy and democracy.
Maintaining Constitutional Stability
Aristotle emphasizes the importance of understanding how to
preserve constitutions to maintain stability in the state.

The polity, as discussed by Aristotle, serves as a solution, and the

closer a constitution aligns with it, the more stable it will be.

Aristotle acknowledges the practical tendency of states to be

oligarchic, democratic, or even tyrannical.

Despite potential shortcomings, Aristotle insists on preserving the

state as it is essential for human existence and progress.

Aristotle provides practical advice for tyrants to prevent unity and

maintain control, though some recommendations may seem harsh.
Maintaining Constitutional Stability

The principal cause of instability in oligarchies and democracies, according to

Aristotle, is an excessive adherence to their own nature; maintaining a mean
is crucial.
General principles, such as guarding against lawlessness, maintaining
balance, and preventing venality, must be safeguarded in both oligarchies
and democracies.

Administrators in any form of government must be efficient, law-abiding, and

work towards producing a wise, temperate, and moral citizenry.

Aristotle underscores the importance of citizens obeying laws and

conducting their lives to preserve the constitution, highlighting the potential
conflict between individual desires and the public good.
Conclusions
Aristotle's focus on scientific method and reason impacted Middle Ages
scholars. His practical approach inspired later generations.

Aristotle emphasizes improving society using available tools, rejecting

speculative perfection. Reaffirms Plato's idea of the state's indispensability
for moral progress.

Aristotle's theory of the middle-class state is acknowledged for its wisdom.

Used effectively by political manipulators.

Stability is a means to moral improvement and the good life. Rejects destruction as
a solution to conflicting factions, advocates controlling their effects.
Conclusions
Rejects complete unity as it compromises individual liberty. Advocates
for a government balancing liberty and authority, accepting inevitable
injustices.

Acknowledges perfect justice doesn't exist. Rulers should follow the law
despite considering intelligence, birth, education, and wealth.

Custom and tradition, despite containing errors, are essential for their
accumulated wisdom.

Aristotle's greatest legacy is constitutionalism. Advocates for rule of law,

government responsibility, and equal standing under the law.
Conclusions

True freedom involves men participating in

making laws they obey. Acknowledges inequalities
but stresses equal standing under the law.

Although perfect realization may be unattainable, the

rule of law demands approximation. Contrasts with
Plato's proposed community, preferred by many
champions of freedom.
THANK
YOU.