Western Civilization Aristotle and Government

Western Civilization

Aristotle and Government

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze the topic of Aristotle's views on government. Specifically, it will discuss the three forms of government delineated by Aristotle, and which one he thinks is the most preferable. Aristotle discusses three forms of government, monarchy, aristocracy, and polity. A monarchy is a government where a few people (often royalty) rule. An aristocracy is ruled by a group of men who have the best interests of the state at heart, and a polity is when citizens rule for the best interests of the state.

Aristotle also notes that for each of the three forms, there are "perversions" of the basic types. For monarchy, the perversion is tyranny; for aristocracy it is oligarchy, and for polity it is democracy. Aristotle discusses each of these perversions and why they are not acceptable. He also spells out what he thinks is the most preferable, and that is polity, for a number of reasons, which he outlines throughout this short work.

Aristotle finds a polity the best form of government because a monarchy excludes all but one from power, and that ruler can become a tyrant in many cases. An aristocracy supports mostly the wealthy, and a polity can become democratic and only support the needy. However, the polity offers the best form of government because it gives all citizens, at least at one point or another, the ability to govern and be governed. Aristotle writes, "Equality consists in the same treatment of similar persons, and no government can stand which is not founded upon justice" (Aristotle). He also notes that a good government promotes more than just legislation; it promotes all facets of life, from recreation to marriage and even having children.

Ultimately, Aristotle believes any government must have the interests of the state ahead of anything or anyone else. A good government employs the will of the people to ensure that the people's needs and desires are met, but that the state's needs and desires are also met. This is why Aristotle finds the other two forms of government unacceptable. They are easily open to perversion and private interest, which leaves the interests of the state behind. This is a selfish form of government, and one that will eventually lead to the state's downfall, in Aristotle's opinion.

In addition to the state's best interests, Aristotle also believes that government has a certain responsibility to the people. It must find ways to educate them effectively, utilize their labors that most suit them and their age, and supply arts and culture, as well. He recognizes that a well-rounded populace will lead to a happier and more content populace, which brings peace and goodwill to the state. Thus, leaders must be able to govern effectively, but they must also be able to recognize the needs of the people, and meet those needs. Music, art, and culture are all responsibilities of the state in this view, and a government led by citizens should be able to accomplish these goals, as the leaders should come from all walks of life, and are able to appreciate the many facets of culture and labor in their states.