BOOK III

Aristotle's definition of a citizen

One who partakes in decision and office (such as a juror or assemblyman), a definition that best fits a democracy.

Question regarding citizenship by descent

Whether one is a citizen justly or unjustly; Aristotle notes that even unjust rulers are citizens if they share in office.

Primary factor determining whether a city remains the same over time

Its regime (constitution). When the regime changes, the city changes, regardless of location or inhabitants.

Relationship between the virtue of a good citizen and a good man

They are not identical; a citizen's virtue is relative to the regime, whereas a good man's virtue is absolute. They coincide only in the best regime.

Essential virtue of a citizen according to Aristotle

The capacity to rule and be ruled finely, which varies relative to the regime.

The three correct regimes in Aristotle's Politics

Kingship (rule by one), Aristocracy (rule by few), and Polity (rule by many), all ruling for the common advantage.

The three deviant regimes in Aristotle's Politics

Tyranny (rule by one), Oligarchy (rule by few), and Democracy (rule by many), all ruling for their own private advantage.

Key distinction between democracy and oligarchy

Poverty versus wealth, rather than simply the number of rulers.

Aristotle's definition of political justice

Equality for equals and inequality for unequals.

Problem of the authoritative element in a state

Determining who should rule (the multitude, the wealthy, the respectable, the best person, or a tyrant), as all options present difficulties.

The multitude's primary claim to political rule

Collective wisdom: when joined together, the multitude can judge better than a few experts (like a feast contributed by many).

Criterion for political justice in distributing offices

Offices should be distributed according to merit, maintaining equality for equals and inequality for unequals.

Proper political treatment of an individual with godlike virtue

Making them a permanent king, as it would be unjust to rule over or ostracize them.

The five types of kingship in Aristotle's Politics

Spartan (permanent generalship), Barbarian (hereditary, tyrannical, lawful), Dictatorship (elective tyranny), Heroic (willing, hereditary, lawful), and Absolute.

Core dilemma regarding absolute kingship

Whether it is better to be ruled by the best man or by the best laws.

Main reason rule of law is superior to rule by a single citizen

Law is impartial and free from passion ('intellect without appetite').

Aristotle's conclusion on supreme kingship among equals

Among similar and equal persons, it is neither advantageous nor just for one person to hold absolute authority over all matters.

Characteristics of the best regime in Aristotle's Politics

A regime managed by the best persons (aristocracy or kingship) where the virtue of the good man and the good citizen are identical.