Aristotle’s Philosophy on Governance
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who is widely regarded as the father of political science. He wrote extensively on various aspects of politics, such as the nature and purpose of the state, the types and forms of government, the role and duties of citizens, the principles of justice and law, and the causes and remedies of political instability. In this blog post, we will explore some of his main ideas on governance and how they can be relevant for today’s world.
The State as a Natural and Necessary Institution
According to Aristotle, the state is a natural and necessary institution that arises from the human need for social and political association. He argues that humans are by nature social animals who cannot live in isolation, but seek to form communities with others who share their interests, values, and goals. The state is the highest form of such community, as it aims to secure the common good of all its members and enable them to live a virtuous and happy life.
Aristotle defines the state as “a community of citizens sharing in a constitution” (Politics, III.1). By constitution, he means not only the written laws and rules that govern the state, but also the unwritten customs, traditions, and norms that shape its character and culture. The constitution reflects the way of life and the ideals of the people who live under it, and it determines the type and form of government that they have.
The Types and Forms of Government
Aristotle distinguishes between two types of government: true and perverted. True governments are those that aim at the common good of all citizens, while perverted governments are those that aim at the private interest of a few or one. He further classifies each type into three forms, based on the number of rulers and their qualifications:
– True governments:
– Monarchy: rule by one who is virtuous and wise
– Aristocracy: rule by a few who are virtuous and wise
– Polity: rule by many who are free and equal
– Perverted governments:
– Tyranny: rule by one who is vicious and ignorant
– Oligarchy: rule by a few who are rich and powerful
– Democracy: rule by many who are poor and ignorant
Aristotle considers monarchy to be the best form of government in theory, as it ensures unity, stability, and efficiency. However, he acknowledges that it is very rare to find a ruler who is truly virtuous and wise, and that monarchy can easily degenerate into tyranny if the ruler becomes corrupted by power or influenced by flatterers. Therefore, he prefers aristocracy or polity as more practical and realistic forms of government, as they involve a balance of power and a mixture of elements from different classes.
Aristotle criticizes oligarchy and democracy as unjust and unstable forms of government, as they favor one part of the population over another based on wealth or numbers. He argues that oligarchy oppresses the poor and creates inequality and resentment, while democracy encourages licentiousness and disorder among the masses. He also warns that both forms are prone to factionalism and conflict, which can lead to civil war or revolution.
The Role and Duties of Citizens
Aristotle defines a citizen as “one who shares in governing and being governed” (Politics, III.1). He believes that citizenship is not based on birth, race, or residence, but on participation in the political life of the state. He argues that citizens have both rights and duties, which vary according to their status, capacity, and contribution.
Aristotle advocates for a system of education that prepares citizens for their roles in society. He proposes that education should be public, compulsory, and uniform for all citizens, regardless of their wealth or gender. He suggests that education should consist of three stages: physical training for the body, intellectual training for the mind, and moral training for the character. He emphasizes that education should aim at developing not only knowledge and skills, but also virtues and habits that foster civic responsibility and moral excellence.
Aristotle also advocates for a system of law that regulates the conduct of citizens in relation to each other and to the state. He asserts that law is “reason without passion” (Politics, III.16), which guides human action according to rational principles. He distinguishes between two kinds of law: natural law and positive law. Natural law is universal and unchanging, based on human nature and reason. Positive law is particular and variable, based on human convention and circumstance. He maintains that positive law should conform to natural law as much as possible, but also adapt to the needs and conditions of different times and places.
The Principles of Justice and Law
Aristotle defines justice as “the virtue of giving each his due” (Nicomachean Ethics, V.1). He distinguishes between two kinds of justice: distributive and corrective. Distributive justice is concerned with the allocation of goods and honors among the members of a community, according to their merit or contribution. Corrective justice is concerned with the restoration of balance and equality among the parties involved in a transaction or a dispute, according to their loss or gain.
Aristotle argues that justice is the foundation of social and political order, as it ensures harmony and cooperation among individuals and groups. He claims that justice is the highest good for humans, as it enables them to achieve their natural end, which is happiness. He also claims that justice is the highest virtue for citizens, as it enables them to fulfill their civic duty, which is to contribute to the common good.
Aristotle also discusses the concept of law, which he defines as “an ordinance of reason for the common good, made by him who has care of the community, and promulgated” (Rhetoric, I.13). He explains that law has four characteristics: it is rational, beneficial, authoritative, and public. He argues that law is superior to human judgment, as it is more objective, consistent, and impartial. He also argues that law is necessary for human well-being, as it provides guidance, security, and order.
The Causes and Remedies of Political Instability
Aristotle analyzes the causes and remedies of political instability, which he defines as “a change from one constitution to its contrary” (Politics, V.1). He identifies six main causes of political instability:
– Dissension among the rulers or the ruled
– Inequality or injustice among the classes or the factions
– Corruption or degeneration of the rulers or the ruled
– Ambition or greed of the leaders or the followers
– Fear or resentment of the weak or the strong
– Ignorance or error of the masses or the elites
Aristotle proposes several remedies for political instability, depending on the type and form of government. Some of his general remedies are:
– Maintaining a balance of power and a mixture of elements from different classes and factions
– Preserving a moderate and proportional distribution of wealth and honors among the citizens
– Promoting a common identity and a shared culture among the citizens
– Educating and cultivating the virtues and habits of the citizens
– Enforcing and obeying the laws and customs of the state
– Reforming and improving the constitution and the government
Conclusion
Aristotle’s philosophy on governance offers a comprehensive and insightful framework for understanding and evaluating various aspects of politics, such as the nature and purpose of the state, the types and forms of government, the role and duties of citizens, the principles of justice and law, and the causes and remedies of political instability. His ideas are not only relevant for his own time and place, but also for today’s world, as they address some of the most fundamental and perennial questions and challenges that face human societies. His ideas can also inspire us to reflect on our own political values and practices, and to seek ways to improve them for the sake of our common good.
Works Cited
Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by W.D. Ross. The Internet Classics Archive. http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/nicomachaen.html.
Aristotle. Politics. Translated by Benjamin Jowett. The Internet Classics Archive. http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/politics.html.
Aristotle. Rhetoric. Translated by W. Rhys Roberts. The Internet Classics Archive. http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/rhetoric.html.
Drishti IAS Blog. “Aristotle’s Views on State, Man and Government.” 23 Dec 2021. https://www.drishtiias.com/blog/aristotles-views-on-state-man-and-government.
Elechi, Maraizu. “Good Governance in Aristotle’s Political Philosophy: Lessons for Nigeria.” South-South Journal of Humanities & International Studies 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online: 1-14.
