Aristotle

Aristotle's Views on the State and Government
Aristotle has been called the father of logic, biology, political science, zoology, embryology,
natural law, scientific method, rhetoric, psychology, realism, criticism, individualism,
teleology, and meteorology.
Aristotle, in his seminal work Politics, presents a detailed theory of the state, its purpose, and
its forms of government. His ideas reflect a practical and ethical approach to political
philosophy, emphasizing the role of human nature and reason in shaping political
communities.
1. State (Polis)
Aristotle sees the state, or "polis," as a natural and essential institution. He argues that
humans are "political animals" who naturally seek to live in communities. The state is the
highest form of community, arising from more primitive associations like the family and
village. Its purpose is to ensure the highest good, which for Aristotle is the attainment of a
virtuous and happy life. He believed the state exists not only for the sake of life but also for
the sake of the good life.
● Telos of the state: The telos (ultimate purpose) of the state is to promote the moral
and intellectual development of its citizens.
● Natural origin: The state evolves naturally out of smaller social units, such as the
family, in order to fulfill human needs and aspirations.
2. Classification of Government
Aristotle classifies governments based on two criteria: the number of rulers and whether the
rulers govern for the common good or their own self-interest. He categorizes governments
into three "good" forms, where rulers act for the benefit of the community, and three
"deviant" forms, where rulers act for personal gain.
Good Forms:
● Monarchy: Rule by one for the common good.

● Aristocracy: Rule by a few virtuous citizens for the common good.
● Polity: Polity is the rule by many or a constitutional government, considered as the
ideal form of governance. Interestingly, democracy is viewed as a perverted form of
polity. Aristotle regarded polity as the most practical and stable form of government
for most states."
Deviant Forms:
● Tyranny: Rule by one person for their own benefit.

● Oligarchy: Rule by a few wealthy individuals for their own interests.
● Democracy: Rule by the many (poor) for their own benefit. Aristotle considered
democracy a deviant form because he saw it as prone to mob rule, where the majority
might act against the common good.
He emphasized that the best government was one where rulers governed for the benefit of all,
rather than their own interests. He particularly praised the polity as the most stable and just
form of government, balancing the needs of the rich and poor.
Aristotle's Concept of Citizenship
Aristotle's concept of citizenship was based on participation in the political life of the state.
He believed that citizens were those who had the right to participate in decision-making
processes and public life. However, Aristotle's definition of citizenship was exclusive and
limited to a particular class of people.
Key points on citizenship:
● Active participation: Citizenship for Aristotle involved active participation in

legislative and judicial functions. A citizen was someone who had the right to take
part in ruling and being ruled.
● Virtue and education: Citizenship required virtue and moral development. A good
citizen should aim for the common good and be educated in virtue to contribute
effectively to public life.
● Exclusion: Aristotle's idea of citizenship excluded certain groups, such as women,
slaves, children, and foreigners. He believed they lacked the rational capacity or the
necessary qualities to participate in governance. Only free, adult males born in the
polis were eligible for full citizenship.
Aristotle's Views on Slavery
Aristotle controversially defended the institution of slavery, though his views were framed in
the context of his broader ethical and political philosophy. He considered slavery to be a
natural and necessary part of human society, albeit with some specific qualifications.
1. Natural Slavery
Aristotle argued that some individuals are "natural slaves" by nature. These individuals,
according to him, lack the capacity for reason and are better suited to follow the direction of
others. He believed that certain people were born with the physical and mental attributes that
made them naturally suited for servitude.
● Rational vs. non-rational souls: He claimed that natural slaves possess a body
capable of labor but lack the rational capacity for self-governance, meaning they
benefit from being ruled by those who are rational (i.e., their masters).
● Mutual benefit: Aristotle viewed the relationship between master and slave as
mutually beneficial. The slave receives guidance and protection from the master,
while the master benefits from the slave’s labor.
2. Conventional Slavery
While Aristotle argued for the concept of natural slavery, he was also aware that many slaves
were taken through war or conquest, which he acknowledged as a more conventional and less
just form of slavery. He recognized the possibility that such people were not natural slaves
and should not be enslaved, implying some criticism of conventional slavery practices.
3. Criticism of Slavery
Though Aristotle justified slavery on theoretical grounds, his views have been heavily
criticized for being inconsistent with his emphasis on the potential for human flourishing and
the role of reason. Modern readers often find his defense of slavery to be a major ethical flaw
in his political theory.
Summary of Aristotle's Political Philosophy
● State and the Good Life: The state is a natural institution designed to promote the
highest good—virtue and happiness.
● Forms of Government: Aristotle classifies governments into six types, with
monarchy, aristocracy, and polity being "good" forms, while tyranny, oligarchy, and
democracy are "deviant" forms.
● Citizenship: Citizenship involves active participation in the political life of the state
and is restricted to free-born adult males. Citizenship is both a right and a
responsibility.
● Slavery: Aristotle defends the institution of slavery, arguing that some individuals are
naturally suited for servitude, though he acknowledges the problematic nature of
conventional slavery.
Aristotle's political philosophy had a significant influence on subsequent political thought,

particularly in the development of republican and constitutional ideas in the Western
tradition. However, his views on slavery and his exclusionary concept of citizenship have
been subjects of moral debate for centuries.

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Aristotle's Views on the State and Government

● Monarchy: Rule by one for the common good.

● Tyranny: Rule by one person for their own benefit.

Aristotle's Concept of Citizenship

Key points on citizenship:

● Active participation: Citizenship for Aristotle involved active participation in

Aristotle's Views on Slavery

Summary of Aristotle's Political Philosophy

Aristotle's political philosophy had a significant influence on subsequent political thought,

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