Prof Gyampo Lectures Aristotle’s Conception of Naturalness of the State

Summary

In this transcript, Aristotle's view on the naturalness of the state is contrasted with Plato's idea of the state as an artificial creation. Aristotle argues that the state is a natural institution, evolving from the family, which itself arises from natural relationships. He presents four key reasons for this belief: the state’s evolution from the natural family, the state's larger and more natural nature compared to the family, humanity’s natural inclination to engage in dialogue for conflict resolution, and the role of the state in enabling quality human life. These arguments illustrate Aristotle’s belief that the state is an inherent part of human existence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aristotle argues that the state is natural, contrasting with Plato's view that the state is an artificial creation.
• 😀 According to Aristotle, the state evolves naturally from the family, which itself is a result of natural relationships between a man and a woman.
• 😀 Aristotle believes that because the family is natural, the larger entity—the state—must also be natural, as the state encompasses the family.
• 😀 Aristotle uses the analogy of the body to explain that the family (a subset) cannot be more natural than the state (the larger whole).
• 😀 The natural inclination of man to engage in dialogue is one of the key reasons Aristotle believes the state is natural.
• 😀 Aristotle argues that dialogue and conflict resolution are only possible within the state, and not in the state of nature or a jungle, where survival of the fittest prevails.
• 😀 The state exists to satisfy the natural need for dialogue, which is essential for resolving conflicts and interacting with others peacefully.
• 😀 Aristotle claims that the state is essential for living a quality life, as it provides the structure for human development and interaction.
• 😀 The state, according to Aristotle, is not an artificial construct but a natural evolution that satisfies essential human needs.
• 😀 Aristotle emphasizes that the state allows for the proper exercise of human faculties, such as dialogue, governance, and living together harmoniously.

Q & A

What is Aristotle's view on the naturalness of the state?

Aristotle argues that the state is natural, in contrast to Plato's conception of the state as an artificial creation. He believes that the state is a natural evolution from the family and that it exists to fulfill man's natural inclination for social cooperation and governance.

How does Aristotle's view differ from Plato's conception of the state?

Plato views the state as an artificial creation, formed through rational design. In contrast, Aristotle sees the state as natural, evolving organically from smaller social units like the family, villages, and communities.

What is the first reason Aristotle gives to support the idea that the state is natural?

The first reason Aristotle provides is that the state evolved naturally from the family. He argues that just as the family is a natural result of the relationship between a man and a woman, the state grows naturally from these family units, eventually forming villages and communities.

How does Aristotle argue that the state is more natural than the family?

Aristotle argues that the family, as a subset of the state, cannot be more natural than the state itself. He compares it to a part of the body, like an eye, which is natural but not as important or comprehensive as the whole body. Since the state encompasses families, it must be more natural than the family.

What analogy does Aristotle use to illustrate his argument about the state being more natural than the family?

Aristotle uses the analogy of the body, stating that just as a single part of the body (like an eye) cannot be more important than the entire body, the family, being a smaller part of the state, cannot be more natural than the state as a whole.

Why does Aristotle emphasize the importance of dialogue in the state?

Aristotle believes that man has a natural inclination to use dialogue for resolving conflicts. In the state, people can peacefully engage in dialogue to address differences. Outside the state, such as in a 'state of nature' or a jungle, dialogue is impossible, and survival becomes the only concern.

How does Aristotle’s idea of dialogue in the state relate to his view on human nature?

Aristotle views dialogue as a natural aspect of human interaction. He argues that humans are created to use dialogue to resolve conflicts, and the state provides the necessary environment for such dialogues to occur, unlike a chaotic or violent state of nature.

What does Aristotle say about the quality of life within the state?

Aristotle argues that it is within the state that individuals can live quality lives. The state provides the conditions for justice, social cooperation, and a structured life, which allows individuals to thrive and pursue their natural potential.

Why does Aristotle believe the state is necessary for human flourishing?

Aristotle believes that the state provides the framework within which individuals can achieve their full potential. The state ensures justice, dialogue, and cooperation, which are essential for leading a quality, flourishing life, which cannot be fully realized outside of the state.

What is the relationship between the family, villages, and communities in Aristotle’s argument for the naturalness of the state?

Aristotle argues that the state evolves naturally from smaller social units. The family, a natural relationship between man and woman, leads to the formation of villages. Over time, these villages grow into larger communities, and eventually, the state emerges as the natural progression of these smaller units.