Aristotle's Political Thought: Man, Polis, and Governance

In addition to theoretical science, Aristotle distinguishes two other classes, which he calls practical and productive. To the practical sciences belong Politics, whose object is the common good, Economy, and Ethics. This understanding is crucial for his claim that Ethics is subordinated to Politics. The Greeks understood man not in isolation, but as a social being, integrated within the family and the city, outside of which they believed individual perfection was unattainable.

The Natural Political Community

The political community is a being, and as such, it also possesses its own goods. These goods consist of the perfect development of its nature. But what kind of being is the political community? At first glance, the simplest answer might be that the political community is an artificial entity. However, Aristotle does not think so. For him, the political community is not artificial, but natural. Therefore, the polis (city-state) is prior to its citizens. If there is no city, there are no citizens. Therefore, Aristotle defines the human being as a "social animal."

In the individual nature of each human being, there is an innate tendency to achieve their own perfection, in which their good and happiness consist. However, this perfection cannot be achieved by individuals in isolation and loneliness. This is why they need to group with their peers, which takes different forms:

• The Family: Formed by different members.
• The Village: Formed by the union of different families.
• The City (Polis): The social community par excellence and the natural political unity. It is the environment that allows individuals to fully realize their ethical virtues.

Constitutions and Laws in the Polis

The constitution is the fundamental law of a polis. Laws are the main guarantee that individuals can achieve a happy life.

Aristotle's Forms of Government

Regarding the forms of government, Aristotle reveals a deep political experience and a broad knowledge of the constitutions of many cities. Government can be categorized into three fundamental types, each with a potential for degeneration:

• Monarchy: Government by one ruler aiming for the common good. It can degenerate into tyranny when the monarch uses power despotically.
• Aristocracy: Government by the best, aiming for the common good. It degenerates into an oligarchy when the wealthy hold power and disregard the community's welfare.
• Timocracy: A government where citizens with a certain income or property qualification have the right to vote and make decisions.