Aristotle's Politics

(Originally written July 14, 2006 in Book 4)

The History of Western Philosophy
Bertrand Russell

Chapter 21 - Aristotle's Politics

Human society's highest achievement is the state.

Individual humans can only reach their fullest potential as a part of the state.

Without the state there is no law. Without law, man is the most vicious animal.

The purpose of the state is to create a good life for the individuals.

The state is a collection of families, thus politics begins in the family.

Slaves were to be of an inferior race. Some men are born to subject, others to be subjected. Slaves born as slaves are naturally inferior. Since slaves are naturally inferior, they are better off being ruled and not free.

War is justified when an inferior race will not recognize their inferiority to a superior. Thus, in war, the victors are always right and the defeated are always wrong.

Trade is unnatural. Wealth acquired by trade is inferior to wealth generated by skilful management of house and law.

Wealth is more than acquiring of money.

Usury (money lent on interest) is the most unnatural way of acquiring money and thus the most hated.

Aristotle claims there are three good types of government with three corresponding bad types.

1) Monarchy (good) v. Tyranny (bad)
2) Aristocracy (good) v. Oligarchy (bad)
3) Constitutional government, the polity (good) v. Democracy (bad)

Revolutions were common in ancient Greece and Aristotle stated three things were needed to prevent them:
1) Propaganda in education
2) Respect for law
3) Equality according to proportion

He holds that a state should be large enough to be self-sufficient but not so large that it is unruly.

Men who work for a living ought not to be citizens because work is ignoble. Only nobility should be citizens.

Education should only be for children capable of becoming citizens.

Education is to learn virtue, not acquire useful skills. usefulness is ignoble.

Aristotle's state aims to future aristocratic gentlemen.