Politics

Aristotle’s Politics is meant to be read along with Nicomachean Ethics, coming together to formulate Aristotle’s political treatise. Nicomachean Ethics is comprised of Aristotle’s lectures at the Lyceum on the right way to live. The philosopher argues that all humans seek the same purpose: to achieve happiness. He postulates that the only way to achieve happiness is through right action, or virtue. Right action is obtained through intentional choices which seek moderation between two vices. For Aristotle, all virtues are sandwiched between extremities which do not contribute to goodness. For example, courage is the mean between recklessness and overcautiousness. His views about moderation translate to his views about politics. The philosopher suggests that, in all things, a governing body must practice restraint and discipline. Constitutions which promote some virtues over others are unbalanced and vulnerable to fracture.

Aristotle’s teacher Plato saw the world through theoretical knowledge. Plato relied on the senses to influence his philosophy. Aristotle was more scientific. His study of political models is an attempt to answer the following question: Which type of political constitution best contributes to individual happiness? Aristotle collected data from over 150 cities to determine what types of government align with his established views on ethics. The philosopher presents politics as an extension of private life, believing that practical knowledge about politics could provide instruction on how to live a harmonious life in a well-organized political community. Just as every organ and feature of the body plays a role in a life that is marked by virtue and character, so too does every member of a society play a role in the common good.

The philosopher believed that living within a political community was as important to one’s personal virtue and character as individually seeking right action. Only those who can engage in political activities with others can achieve true good. One of the major themes for Nicomachean Ethics is the importance of relationships for contributing to goodness and virtue. Friendships are valued for their ability to bring out the best in both parties.

Both works are best understood within their political context. Aristotle’s father was a doctor and died when he was young. The philosopher was raised by his sister until he moved to Athens at an early age to attend the Lyceum and study under Plato. Although Aristotle is considered a founding father of Greek philosophical thought, his birth in Macedonia excluded him from full citizenship. He was later forced to leave Athens due to his alien status. However, Aristotle perpetuates in both Nicomachean Ethics and Politics the dominant ideas about citizenship and virtue of the period. He promotes the virtues which were most valued by Greek society, including magnanimity and justice. He also presents a limited definition of citizenship, excluding anyone who does not boast significant wealth, status, and heritage. The relationship between Greek historical context and Aristotle’s philosophy is cyclical: Aristotle’s works are highly influenced by the dominating ideas and biases of the fourth century BCE, while his contributions to philosophy helped to advance Greek society forward.