Aristotle vs. Plato on Politics

Aristotle believes that citizens should choose and implement political order, while Plato emphasizes a philosopher-king shaping the ideal state.

Aristotle gives a sympathetic hearing to common opinions, valuing them as part of the political experience.

The ultimate aim of the polis is to achieve the highest good for humans, which is happiness through moral and intellectual virtue.

<p>Aristotle claims that human beings are 'political animals' because they possess reason and speech (logos).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle contends that the city provides a broader context for individuals to practice and exercise their virtues compared to smaller associations like family and village.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle's approach is empirical, focusing on real political processes, whereas Plato's is theoretical, centered on constructing an ideal state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Political activity is vital because it allows individuals to practice the moral and intellectual virtues that lead to happiness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle emphasizes the examination of various possibilities and the good and bad sides of solutions rather than just applying static principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The natural end-goal of human maturation is the formation of a city.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle sees conflict as necessary for progress and unity within a community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cities come into existence for the sake of life and to regulate conflict over necessities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Choice and deliberation reflect humanity's capacity to overcome nature and demonstrate their unique nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle analyzes existing political communities rather than creating an ideal city from scratch.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The purpose is to demonstrate that these regimes are not in good condition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle defines politics as the means through which individuals fulfill their natural capacity for reason and speech, deliberating on matters of advantage and justice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nature is central to political life, as human beings and their communities arise naturally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He suggests that cities exist not only for survival but also for the flourishing of human life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The political community, or polis, is significant as it is the primary association where people engage in deliberating about what is advantageous and just.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle believes the relationships between master and slave, as well as male and female, lead to the formation of a city, as they arise by necessity for survival and reproduction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle differentiates households as living 'for the day' with limited future deliberation, while villages emerge as extensions of households to meet nondaily needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cities play a crucial role in restricting unholy and savage deeds that may arise within families, acting as a necessary structure for civilized behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cities are considered natural because they develop out of families and represent the culmination of a natural progression from smaller social units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle suggests that cities are characterized by distance and diversity due to their union of several villages, which brings together varied perspectives and needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ultimate purpose of these initial relationships is to ensure survival and reproduction, laying the groundwork for larger social structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The primary goal is to uncover a political organization that aligns being a good citizen with being a good person.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle suggests that a statesman rules not for personal gain, but for the prosperity of the entire community, much like a captain ensures the welfare of the ship and its crew.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Correct constitutions are those where the rulers, whether few or many, govern for the common benefit rather than their own advantage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The three correct forms are kingship (one ruling for the common benefit), aristocracy (few ruling for the common benefit), and polity (many ruling for the common benefit).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The three deviant forms are democracy (many ruling for their own benefit), oligarchy (few ruling for their own benefit), and tyranny (one ruling for his own benefit).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle argues that the ideal constitution would ensure that the virtues of a good citizen align closely with those of a good person.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A person with excess virtue becomes 'a law unto himself' and cannot be part of the city, as he transcends the laws that apply to others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The best regimes must aim to preserve just laws and define justice and equality based on political virtue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The primary task of statesmanship is to protect the city from the negative aspects of the many while harnessing their positive contributions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle suggests that individuals contribute to politics by joining their perspectives to form a more comprehensive view, reflecting the necessity of diverse opinions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It means that humans inherently require social interaction and political engagement to fulfill their intellectual and ethical needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The defining virtue of a citizen is prudence, or practical wisdom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle learns the partial truths held by others and recognizes his need to incorporate these insights into his own philosophical thinking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A citizen is bound by law and shares rule with others, while an absolute ruler governs without limits over those perceived as different in kind.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Protecting against homogeneity is crucial because it preserves the city’s diversity, which is vital for fostering various contributions and perspectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Polity is the rule of the Many for the benefit of the Many.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Many can collectively judge parts of virtue and prudence, contributing valuable insights for political deliberation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Statesmanship is necessary to unify diverse interests and guide individual contributions toward the common good.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Aristotle believes that the Many can claim to rule based on virtue rather than equality or free birth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Many, when joined together, can collectively combine their insights, making them potentially better than a few excellent individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Moderation and justice ensure that a ruler exercises power virtuous manner and avoids excess.</p> Signup and view all the answers