For episode 5 see here.
VI. Aristotle: Political Actualities
A. Lays groundwork for the study of politics separate from the study of ethics
B. Looks at the ethical basis, arrangement of offices, social classes within state,
as well as recognizing the differences between the legal constitution and
the constitution in practice
C. Analysis based upon an understanding of the political and economic
constitution of the state
1. Democracies differ according to inclusiveness and economic structure
of the state
2. Oligarchies differ on eligibility and distribution of property
D. Three branches of government: deliberative, administrative and judiciary
E. Combining best of both types is the polity or constitutional government*
1. Foundation of large middle class which is the most stable as not too
rich or too poor
2. Balancing of quality (aristocracy) and quantity (democracy)
F. Defines state as community between contractual relations and paternal rule
G. State originates from bare needs of life but continues for the sake of the good
life -- which is the first truly civilized form.
H. The "nature"of a thing revealed after growth has taken place; nature redefined
as convention. Through the growth of community comes the state.
I. The state is natural because it contains the possibility of a fully civilized life
but conditions must be right, thus an arena for the statesman to act.
J. Fundamental constituents of nature: form, matter and movement
1. Statesman must be descriptive and empirical to ascertain the possibilities
of the actual
2. Also must consider the ideal to give form to the possibilities
*Note: Aristotle divides governments into six types, three ruled by the best one, few or many and their negative forms were rule is in the hand of those not guided by reason but by self-interest.
Next week: The Twilight of the City-State
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