Law and Justice - Citizen and State - 8.7 Aristotle and Constitutional Thought

Summary

Aristotle's 'Politics' presents a profound exploration of constitutional theory, distinguishing between three forms of government: monarchy, aristocracy, and polity. Each can devolve into tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy when rulers act for personal gain rather than the common good. Aristotle champions a meritocratic aristocracy, where the most virtuous individuals govern for the benefit of all. His theory also emphasizes the balance of executive, legislative, and judicial powers within a constitution. Though Aristotle occasionally favors monarchy, he acknowledges aristocracy as the highest form of government, as long as rulers prioritize virtue and the public welfare.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aristotle's 'Politics' provides one of the most influential theories of constitutionalism in history.
• 😀 Aristotle categorizes constitutions into three main forms: monarchy (rule by one), aristocracy (rule by a few), and polity (rule by many).
• 😀 Each of Aristotle's constitutional forms has a deviant version: monarchy turns into tyranny, aristocracy into oligarchy, and polity into democracy.
• 😀 Aristotle emphasizes that the legitimacy of a constitution depends on whether those in power rule in the interest of the common good.
• 😀 A true monarch rules for the common good, while a tyrant rules for personal gain; similarly, an aristocracy serves the common good, but an oligarchy serves the interests of the few.
• 😀 Democracy, in Aristotle's view, is a deviant form of polity, where rule by the many is corrupted into self-interest.
• 😀 Aristotle recognizes that constitutions are not purely one form and may include a mix of executive, legislative, and judicial powers.
• 😀 The ideal form of constitution according to Aristotle is unclear, but he suggests monarchy or aristocracy as the best options depending on the context.
• 😀 Aristotle defines aristocracy as rule by the best, not merely the rich or the wellborn, but those who are most virtuous.
• 😀 In modern terms, Aristotle's concept of aristocracy can be understood as a meritocracy, where leadership is based on moral and intellectual excellence.

Q & A

What are the three main forms of constitution according to Aristotle?

According to Aristotle, the three main forms of constitution are monarchy (rule by one), aristocracy (rule by a few), and polity (rule by many).

What are the deviant versions of these constitutional forms?

The deviant versions of the three constitutional forms are tyranny (deviant monarchy), oligarchy (deviant aristocracy), and democracy (deviant polity).

How does Aristotle differentiate between a legitimate and deviant form of government?

Aristotle differentiates between legitimate and deviant forms of government based on whether the rulers govern for the common good or their self-interest. Legitimate rulers serve the common good, while deviant rulers pursue personal gain.

What is Aristotle’s definition of aristocracy?

For Aristotle, aristocracy means rule by the best, where 'best' refers to those who possess the highest degree of moral and intellectual virtue, not simply the wealthy or wellborn.

How does Aristotle's concept of aristocracy compare to modern meritocracy?

Aristotle's concept of aristocracy is similar to modern meritocracy, as both emphasize the rule of those who are most deserving based on their virtues and excellence, rather than their birth or wealth.

What role does virtue play in Aristotle’s view of political rule?

Virtue plays a central role in Aristotle’s view of political rule. He argues that those who are morally and intellectually virtuous are best suited to govern, as they will act in the interest of the common good rather than for personal gain.

Does Aristotle believe in the purity of any single form of government?

No, Aristotle does not believe in the purity of any single form of government. He recognizes that real-world constitutions are often mixtures of different forms, such as monarchy, aristocracy, and polity, adapted to the specific needs of society.

What are the three elements of a constitution according to Aristotle?

The three elements of a constitution according to Aristotle are the executive power, the legislative or deliberative power, and the judicial power.

Why does Aristotle view democracy negatively in his political theory?

Aristotle views democracy negatively because he associates it with the deviant form of government where the majority rules in their own self-interest, rather than for the common good.

What is the significance of Aristotle’s mixed view of constitutions?

Aristotle’s mixed view of constitutions highlights the complexity and adaptability of political systems. He recognizes that no constitution is purely one form and that the best systems often combine elements from different forms to suit the specific conditions of a society.