GO171 Aristotle Terms

City (Political Community): The highest form of community, existing for the sake of achieving the good life. It is a self-sufficient entity that aims at the highest good, and it is composed of citizens who participate in ruling.

Household: The smallest unit of society, responsible for meeting basic needs. It includes the relationships between husband and wife, master and slave, and parent and child. Household management (oikonomia) is distinct from political rule.

Village: A community larger than a household but smaller than a city, arising as an intermediate stage in human association. Villages exist to meet more complex needs but are not self-sufficient like the city.

Logos (Reason and Speech): The human capacity for reasoned speech, which allows individuals to deliberate about justice, the good, and the organization of the city. Logos differentiates humans from animals and justifies political life.

"Man is by nature a political animal": Aristotle’s claim that humans naturally seek to live in a polis because only in a political community can they fully develop their rational and moral capacities.

Slaves by Nature / Slaves According to Law: Aristotle distinguishes between those naturally suited for slavery—people lacking the rational capacity for self-rule—and those enslaved by legal or social convention, which he sees as more problematic.

The Art of Making Money / Household Management: Household management (oikonomia) involves providing for the needs of the household, whereas the art of making money (chrematistics) involves the accumulation of wealth. Aristotle criticizes the excessive pursuit of wealth as unnatural when it becomes an end in itself.

Mastery: The rule of a master over a slave, based on the assumption of natural superiority.

Kingly Rule: The rule of one individual over subjects, justified by their superior virtue and wisdom.

Political Rule: Shared governance among free and equal citizens, characterized by ruling and being ruled in turn.

Happiness: The highest human good, consisting in virtuous activity in accordance with reason. The city exists to help citizens achieve happiness.

Virtue: Excellence in moral and intellectual character, necessary for both individual happiness and good political rule.

Prudence (Practical Wisdom): The ability to deliberate well about what is good for oneself and for the community; a crucial trait for rulers.

Study: The highest form of intellectual activity, associated with philosophy and contemplation. Aristotle sees it as the most divine and self-sufficient way of life.

Regime: The structure and organization of a city’s government. Aristotle categorizes regimes based on who rules (one, few, or many) and whether they rule for the common good or for their own interests.

Justice: The principle that determines who should rule and how resources and honors should be distributed. Political justice involves treating equals equally and unequals unequally based on merit.

Citizen (including who should be one and why): Someone who participates in ruling and being ruled. Aristotle believes citizenship should be based on virtue and contributions to the common good, excluding slaves and sometimes laborers.

Correct regimes serve the common good. They include kingship (rule of one), aristocracy (rule of the best few), and polity (a balanced rule of many).

Incorrect regimes serve the rulers’ interests. They include tyranny (one ruler’s interest), oligarchy (the rich’s interest), and democracy (the poor’s interest).

Polity ("Compromise Polity", "Aristocratic Polity"): A mixed regime combining oligarchic and democratic elements to balance power and prevent extreme rule by either the rich or the poor. A well-functioning polity leans toward aristocracy by favoring the virtuous.

Moderate democracy includes some restrictions on participation, ensuring rule by capable citizens.

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

True aristocracy is rule by the best citizens for the common good.

The aristocratic claim to rule is based on birth or wealth rather than virtue, which Aristotle criticizes.

Moderate oligarchy allows some non-wealthy participation.

Extreme 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.

Tyranny: The worst form of government, where a ruler governs solely for personal gain, using oppression and fear.

Education ("Relative to the Regime"): Aristotle argues that education should shape citizens according to the regime’s principles. In a just regime, education promotes virtue and prepares citizens for self-governance, whereas in a corrupt regime, it reinforces the ruling class's power.