Aristotle Flashcards
Purpose of the state
Framework for happiness. To encourage happiness, to get telos.
Telos
Everything has a purpose. Before we understand the purpose of the thing, we can´t fully understand it.
The purpose of the man is to become happy. But to become happy, he have to live a life of good morals.
Man the political animal
Men are the only one who can engage in a political partnership with other men, to discuss through logos what is wright or wrong. How the polis (city (state)) should be constructed and ruled.
Women, children, slaves and other groups of the society are not part of the political partnership.
What makes people become citizens of a State?
Solely participation in public spaces –> The state consist of citizens that satisfies all purposes in life.
Functions
1. Decisions which are discussed.
2. Administrative
3. Judicial
What criteria does Aristotle use to classify governments?
criteria: Inters of rulers/ruled. Who benefits
Good types of governments
- Politeia
- Aristocracy
- Monarchy
Corrupted types of governments.
- Democracy corrupted by the many
- Oligarchy corrupted by wealth
- Tyranny is corrupted by violence
What is the ideal government?
Politeia
Because
- Mixture between oligarchy and democracy
- No social class dominates over the rest: Social peace (only rich men who decided from specific trade, could attend the meetings).
- Equlibrium, middle class
- More stability, less conflict, less sudden changes.
Why do revolutions arise?
Becuase.
1. Desire of equality/superiority
2. Injustice
3. Illigitimacym, the art of rulining.
The different constitutions have different weaknesses.
Democracy - Demagogy (The masses rule)
Oligarchy - Oppression of the people
Tyranny - constant threat
The common good?
Happiness is the common good. But only the common good of the citizens, which excludes specific groups of the society.
