ARISTOTLE Flashcards
What does Aristotle mean by “Man is a political animal”?
Humans are naturally inclined to form political communities because they depend on each other and can reason and communicate.
What is the highest form of community according to Aristotle?
The city-state (polis), which enables citizens to achieve human flourishing (eudaimonia).
What is the relationship between individuals and the polis?
The polis is prior to the individual, and outside of it, individuals are incomplete or less human.
What is the role of households in Aristotle’s politics?
Households are the fundamental building blocks of society, with natural hierarchies such as husband and wife, parents and children, and master and slave.
What are the two forms of wealth acquisition in Aristotle’s Politics?
Natural: For basic needs like food and shelter, supporting the household’s survival.
Unnatural: Accumulation of wealth beyond what is necessary, which can lead to corruption.
What is Aristotle’s view on the role of women?
Women have a role in the household but are subordinate to men, as Aristotle believed men have greater rational capacity and are better suited for leadership.
How does Aristotle define citizenship?
Citizenship involves actively participating in the political life of the polis, such as administering justice and holding public office.
Who is excluded from citizenship according to Aristotle?
Foreigners, women, children, and slaves are not considered citizens because they do not participate in political life.
What is the difference between a “Good Citizen” and a “Good Man”?
Good Citizen: Acts according to the constitution of the polis, relative to the political structure.
Good Man: Possesses universal moral virtues like justice, courage, and temperance, regardless of the political system.
What is Aristotle’s concept of telos?
Telos refers to the end, goal, or purpose of something. For a city-state, it is to create conditions that enable citizens to live virtuously.
What are the correct and corrupt forms of government according to Aristotle?
Correct: Monarchy (rule of one), Aristocracy (rule of few), and Polity (rule of many for the common good).
Corrupt: Tyranny (rule of one for personal gain), Oligarchy (rule of few for the rich), and Democracy (rule of many for the poor).
What is Aristotle’s best form of government?
A polity, which is a mixed government combining elements of democracy and aristocracy, with the middle class playing a key role in maintaining balance and fairness.
Why does Aristotle emphasize the importance of the middle class in a polity?
The middle class creates balance in society, preventing the extremes of wealth and poverty that can lead to instability or tyranny.
What is the role of education in Aristotle’s Politics?
Education is important for cultivating virtuous citizens, promoting moral and intellectual virtues aligned with the state’s objectives.
What virtues does Aristotle believe are necessary for both the soul and the city?
Courage, justice, and wisdom, achieved through a balance of moderation.
