Aristotle: Politics Flashcards
Writing style
Treatise, system builder
Methodology
Analysis: examination of empirical composition of compounds
Telos
Every complex identity has a purpose - can be met or failed but still there
Ruling component
Component within complex identity that pushes it to its telos
Nature for Aristotle
Infused with meaning - the order of the universe according to which the telos fo things naturally unfolds - not chaotic - does not act in vain
What is our telos and how does he know?
Our telos = be part of the state to be fully human and live the good life - man is a political animal (zoon politikon) - he knows because of our natural capacity of logos - speech to exercise reasoning
Importance of the State?
Enables us to live a political life and achieve telos of good life - beyond the necessities of life - summum bonum: highest good
Membership
Political involvement in the State - not part of state: either beast (less than human) or god (more than human)
Two aspects of rule
Rule & authority and subjects servitude
Despotic rule
Patriarchal personal rule of master/husband/king - personal domain over subjects
Natural slavery
People naturally born as slaves - lack higher reasoning and naturally physically strong for labour - slavery written in natural order of the universe
Institutional slavery
Actual slaves by law either through conventions of war or parents were slaves
Constitutional rule
Based on rule of law (fair and consistent) - for free men - public sphere
