MAN IS BY NATURE A POLITICAL ANIMAL

Summary

Aristotle's philosophy of politics centers on the idea that humans are 'political animals' by nature, inherently social and organized in city-states (polities) to live a virtuous life. He categorizes different forms of government—monarchy, aristocracy, and polity as ideal, and their corrupted forms—tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy—as flawed. Aristotle emphasizes the importance of citizens' active participation in governance for achieving virtue. His empirical approach to politics contrasts with Plato's idealism, and his ideas on government influenced European thought throughout history, shaping future political theory on constitutional government and the rule of law.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aristotle believed that humans are by nature political animals, inherently social and inclined to form political communities.
• 😀 The polis, or city-state, is the natural and ideal structure for human life, enabling individuals to pursue the good life.
• 😀 Humans' unique ability to reason and communicate allows them to form societies and govern themselves through political structures.
• 😀 Aristotle argues that living outside of a polis is unnatural and that anyone who does so is either a beast or a god.
• 😀 The ultimate goal of human life is to lead a good life, which Aristotle defines as a life of virtue, including justice, goodness, and beauty.
• 😀 Aristotle categorizes six forms of government based on who rules and in whose interest they rule: monarchy, tyranny, aristocracy, oligarchy, polity, and democracy.
• 😀 In Aristotle’s view, monarchy, aristocracy, and polity are ideal forms of government, while tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy are corrupted forms.
• 😀 Aristotle sees democracy as a defective form of government, though it is better than tyranny and oligarchy. He considers polity the best form of government.
• 😀 Active participation in governance is essential for citizens, and those living in a good government have the best opportunity to live virtuously.
• 😀 Aristotle’s ideas on the polis and government influenced political thought for centuries, laying the groundwork for later concepts of constitutional government, democracy, and citizen participation.

Q & A

What does Aristotle mean by 'Man is by nature a political animal'?

Aristotle suggests that humans are inherently social beings, and it is in our nature to form communities such as households, villages, and city-states. A city-state, or 'polis', is the highest form of human society where individuals can live virtuous lives. This idea implies that living in a community is as natural for humans as the instincts of other social animals like bees or wolves.

How does Aristotle differentiate between the 'good life' and the 'polis'?

For Aristotle, the 'good life' is one lived in accordance with virtue, where individuals practice justice, goodness, and beauty. The polis, or city-state, is essential for achieving this good life because it provides the structure and laws that support individuals in living virtuously. The polis exists not just for survival, but to enable human beings to live well.

What role does Aristotle believe reason plays in organizing society?

Aristotle believes that human reason is what distinguishes us from other animals, enabling us to form complex societies like the polis. Reason is the foundation upon which a just and stable society can be built. The city-state, organized by reason, allows individuals to work together to achieve the common good and live virtuous lives.

Why does Aristotle consider people living outside the polis to be either beasts or gods?

Aristotle argues that the polis is a natural institution essential to human life. Those who live outside the polis lack the fundamental social connections that define humanity. For Aristotle, individuals outside a city-state are either closer to animals, lacking human social traits, or superior to humans, akin to gods who do not need the support of a polis.

What does Aristotle mean by the 'purpose' or 'telos' of human life?

Aristotle's concept of 'telos' refers to the purpose or final goal of an individual or thing. For humans, the telos is to lead a good life by practicing virtues such as justice and beauty. The polis, according to Aristotle, helps facilitate this by providing a structure where individuals can pursue their highest potential.

How does Aristotle categorize different forms of government?

Aristotle categorizes government into six forms, based on two key factors: who rules and on whose behalf they rule. The three 'good' forms are monarchy (rule by one for the common good), aristocracy (rule by the few for the common good), and polity (rule by the many for the common good). These forms can be corrupted into tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy, respectively, when rulers act in their own self-interest.

Why does Aristotle view democracy as a 'defective' form of government?

Aristotle considers democracy a defective form of government because, in practice, it tends to favor the majority at the expense of individual justice. While it may seem to work for the greater good, democracy often leads to a situation where the majority rules for its own interests, rather than for the benefit of all citizens equally.

What is Aristotle's view on the ideal government for achieving a good life?

Aristotle believes that the ideal government is a polity, where rule is by the many, for the common good. In this system, citizens actively participate in governance, helping ensure justice and stability. Though he views monarchy and aristocracy as forms of good governance, he believes that the collective wisdom of the many in a polity is the best system for fostering a virtuous society.

What is the significance of Aristotle's empirical approach to political science?

Aristotle's empirical approach to political science is significant because he prioritized observation and analysis of existing governments over theoretical speculation. By studying real-life city-states, Aristotle sought to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different political systems, which informed his taxonomy of government and ideas on how to achieve the best governance.

How did Aristotle's political philosophy influence later thinkers?

Aristotle's political philosophy had a profound influence on later thinkers, particularly during the Middle Ages and the Enlightenment. His ideas about virtue, the role of citizens in government, and the nature of the good life were incorporated into Christian doctrine by figures like Thomas Aquinas and shaped modern political thought, influencing thinkers like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.