GO171 Aristotle Terms

City (Political Community)

The highest form of community, arising from smaller associations like the household and village. It exists not merely for survival but to enable its citizens to achieve happiness (eudaimonia) through virtue and political participation.

Household

The smallest unit of society responsible for meeting basic daily needs, including family relationships and management of resources .

Village

A village is a community larger than a household but smaller than a city, formed as an extension of the household to meet more complex needs. It exists primarily for economic cooperation and basic security, arising naturally from the union of several households

Logos

The human capacity for reasoned speech and thought, enabling deliberation about justice and organization of the city.

Political Animal

Aristotle’s claim that humans are naturally social beings and inclined to live in a polis to deliberate and develop their rational capacities and happiness

Slaves by Nature / Slaves According to Law

• A slave by nature is someone who, by their very nature, is suited to serve others. They lack the rational capacity to participate fully in political life and are thus naturally inclined to be subjugated, playing a necessary role in the functioning of the household or society

• Slaves according to law are those who are enslaved by external circumstances such as conquest or legal decisions, rather than because of any natural deficiency. Aristotle sees such enslavement as often unjust, as it may be based on factors like war or legal systems rather than a natural order.

Household Management

The management and provision of resources for the household, including not only meeting the material needs of the family (such as food, shelter, and basic necessities) but also the proper organization of relationships within the household, including the roles of the master, wife, children, and slaves

Art of Making Money (chrematistics)

The true purpose of wealth is to support a good life and meet the needs of the household. The practice of acquiring wealth for the sake of wealth is unnatural and morally corrupting

Mastery

The rule of a master over a slave, presumed based on natural superiority.

Kingly Rule

Single rule over subjects justified by superior virtue and wisdom.

Political Rule

Shared governance among free and equal citizens, characterized by ruling in turns.

Happiness

The highest human good, achieved through virtuous activity in accordance with reason.

Virtue

Excellence in moral and intellectual character necessary for happiness and good political rule.

Prudence (Practical Wisdom)

The ability to deliberate well about the good for oneself and the community.

Study

The highest form of intellectual activity associated with philosophy and contemplation.

Regime

The structure and organization of a city's government based on who rules.

Justice

The principle determining how resources are distributed and who should rule.

Citizen (including who should be one and why)

Someone who participates in ruling and being ruled, based on virtue.

Correct Regimes

Serve the common good; include kingship, aristocracy, and polity.

Incorrect Regimes

Serve the rulers' interests; include tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy.

Polity

A mixed regime combining oligarchic and democratic elements for balanced power.

Moderate Democracy

Includes restrictions on participation to ensure capable ruling citizens.

True Aristocracy

Rule by the best citizens for the common good.

Tyranny

The worst form of government, governing solely for personal gain.

Education relative to the Regime

Should shape citizens according to the regime’s principles to promote virtue.

extreme democracy

gives power to the masses without regard for merit, leading to instability and demagoguery

aristocratic claim to rule

based on birth or wealth rather than virtue, which Aristotle criticizes

moderate oligarchy

allows some non-wealthy participation

extreme or dynastic oligarchy

concentrates power in a few wealthy families, often leading to oppression

constitutional monarchy

operates under laws and institutions

absolute monarchy

(tyranny in disguise) places all power in one ruler’s hands