Aristotle's The Politics

An Explication of Book III of Aristotle's The Politics.

Aristotle argues in Book III of The Politics that there are three types of just constitutions: kingship, aristocracy, and military. Each type of constitution requires different duties from its citizens and the definition of a "good citizen" under each varies as a result. The best of each type of constitution must be administered by the best possible ruler or rulers under that constitution. Such a ruler under any constitution must possess the quality of moral wisdom of both the good man (ordinary citizen and subject) and the good citizen (office-holder and ruler).

To encourage excellence in citizenship, the constitution must allow the ruler and the ruled to play their particular part in the attainment of the purpose for which the state was formed. But further, to encourage the fulfillment of the state's goals, each citizen must be rewarded with offices, rights and honors proportionate to his contribution to the furtherance of the state's goals. Aristotle's logic is strongest when he is defining the state and its elements and when he argues on the interaction of a state and its citizens. However, his argument becomes more apparently subjective and less available to verification and practical application when he argues in favor of the inherent and superior moral wisdom of certain individuals, families or groups.

Aristotle defines a citizen generally as "one who shares for any peri

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Category: Philosophy - A