Aristotle's "Best Regime"

1. Democracy as the Best Regime: Aristotle's Surprising Endorsement

"Democracy is the least vicious [of the deviations]; for it deviates only slightly from the form of a [genuine] political system [politeias]"

Aristotle's defense of democracy. Contrary to popular belief, Aristotle actually presents a strong case for democracy as the best practical regime. He argues that democracy, when properly constrained by law, is superior to other forms of government. This view challenges the traditional interpretation of Aristotle as an advocate for aristocracy or monarchy.

Key arguments for democracy:

• Collective wisdom of the many often surpasses individual expertise
• Democracy allows for a broader representation of interests
• It provides a natural check against the potential abuses of power by the few

Historical context. Aristotle's endorsement of democracy is particularly significant given the prevalent criticisms of democratic rule in ancient Greek thought. His nuanced view recognizes both the strengths and potential weaknesses of democratic governance, advocating for a form of democracy tempered by constitutional constraints.

2. The Regime (Politeia) as Central to Political Understanding

"For all fasten on a certain sort of justice, but proceed only to a certain point, and do not speak of the whole of justice in its authoritative sense"

Regime as the core concept. Aristotle places the regime (politeia) at the center of political analysis. The regime is not merely a system of government but encompasses the entire way of life of a political community, including its conception of justice and the good life.

Characteristics of the regime:

• Determines who rules and how
• Shapes the character of citizens
• Defines what is considered just within the community

Implications for political theory. This focus on the regime challenges simplistic categorizations of governments and emphasizes the need to understand the underlying principles and values that shape political systems. It provides a more comprehensive framework for analyzing political communities beyond mere institutional structures.

3. The Many's Superior Collective Judgment in Politics

"For where the many are not overly slavish in character, though each individual may be inferior in judgment to the best men, collectively they are often better judges than a few experts."

Collective wisdom in action. Aristotle argues that the collective judgment of the many can often surpass that of individual experts in political matters. This insight forms a crucial part of his defense of democracy and challenges elitist notions of governance.

Reasons for collective superiority:

• Diverse perspectives contribute to more comprehensive decision-making
• Aggregation of knowledge and experience
• Mitigation of individual biases and errors

Modern relevance. This concept resonates with contemporary ideas of "wisdom of the crowds" and participatory democracy. It underscores the importance of inclusive political processes and deliberative democracy in achieving sound governance.

4. Law as a Restraint on Democracy's Potential Excesses

"The law is reason unaffected by desire."

Law as a stabilizing force. Aristotle recognizes the potential dangers of unchecked popular rule and advocates for the supremacy of law as a counterbalance. This concept of "rule of law" is crucial to his vision of a well-functioning democracy.

Benefits of legal restraint:

• Provides consistency and predictability in governance
• Protects minority rights from majority tyranny
• Ensures decisions are based on reason rather than passion

Constitutional democracy. This emphasis on law anticipates modern concepts of constitutional democracy, where fundamental rights and procedures are protected from the whims of temporary majorities. It represents a sophisticated understanding of the need to balance popular sovereignty with institutional safeguards.

5. The Pambasileia: A Theoretical Absolute Kingship

"If, then, there exists some one person, or more than one but not enough to make up the full complement of a state, so far superior in virtue to the rest, that the virtue of all the rest and their political ability is not comparable with theirs... they can no longer be regarded as part of a state."

The concept of absolute kingship. Aristotle introduces the pambasileia, or absolute kingship, as a theoretical ideal where a person of supreme virtue rules without legal constraints. This concept serves as a thought experiment to explore the limits of political authority and virtue.

Key aspects of pambasileia:

• Rule by an individual of unparalleled virtue
• Absence of legal constraints on the ruler
• Theoretically perfect alignment of ruler's will with common good

Critique and limitations. While presenting this concept, Aristotle ultimately argues against its practicality. He points out the rarity of such a supremely virtuous individual and the dangers of unchecked power, reinforcing his preference for constitutional governance and the rule of law.

6. Natural Equality and Its Political Implications

"For nature wishes to make the bodies of free persons and slaves different... yet the opposite often results, some having the bodies of free persons while others have the souls."

Challenging natural hierarchy. Aristotle's observation about the discrepancy between nature's "wishes" and reality subtly undermines arguments for natural slavery or hierarchy. This insight has profound implications for political equality.

Consequences for political theory:

• Questions the justification for rigid social hierarchies
• Suggests the need for political systems that accommodate human equality
• Supports arguments for more inclusive forms of governance

Modern relevance. This line of thinking anticipates modern concepts of human equality and challenges to traditional social hierarchies. It provides a classical foundation for arguments against discrimination based on birth or physical characteristics.

7. The Limits of Politics and the Role of Philosophy

"It is not necessary for a human being to judge in such matters, but rather that there should be many persons instead of only one"

Politics as practical wisdom. Aristotle distinguishes between the realm of politics, which deals with practical matters and requires collective judgment, and philosophy, which seeks universal truths. This distinction is crucial for understanding the proper role of political institutions.

Key distinctions:

• Politics: Deals with contingent, particular situations
• Philosophy: Seeks universal, eternal truths

Implications for governance. This view suggests that good governance requires not just philosophical wisdom but practical judgment and collective deliberation. It cautions against attempts to impose purely theoretical or ideological solutions on complex political realities.

8. Friendship and Happiness in Political Life

"For where ruler and ruled have nothing in common, they have no friendship."

Political community as friendship. Aristotle sees political associations as a form of friendship, emphasizing the importance of shared interests and mutual understanding between rulers and ruled. This concept is central to his vision of a harmonious political community.

Elements of political friendship:

• Shared goals and values
• Mutual respect and consideration
• Basis for political stability and cooperation

Happiness as a political goal. Aristotle argues that the ultimate aim of political life is not mere survival but the pursuit of happiness (eudaimonia) for the community. This elevates politics beyond mere administration to a noble pursuit of the good life for all citizens.

9. The Evolution of Regimes and the Triumph of Democracy

"Democracy is said to be the opposite of oligarchy, when those [who] have authority do not possess a [significant] amount of property, but are poor"

Historical trend towards democracy. Aristotle observes a historical trend towards more inclusive forms of government, culminating in democracy. This insight anticipates modern historical analyses of political development.

Stages of regime evolution:

1. Kingship
2. Aristocracy
3. Oligarchy
4. Democracy

Factors driving democratization:

• Increasing equality through technological and economic development
• Growing political awareness and participation of the masses
• Inherent instabilities in more exclusive forms of government

Contemporary relevance. This analysis foreshadows modern theories of democratization and provides a historical perspective on the global spread of democratic institutions. It suggests that democracy may be a natural outcome of societal development rather than merely a Western invention.

Last updated: August 9, 2024