A. ARISTOTLE
Read the passages from Aristotle's Politics and the introductory paragraphs (Aristotle (2), on RUConnected, under Topic 3: Alexander to Rome), and use this material to answer the following questions.
1. What does Aristotle mean when he writes that "man is a political animal"? Aristotle means that man is an animal (Very developed) and that, like other animals, we are driven to congregate, which by forming a state represents the highest version of development. Also, man has the power of speech and moral reasoning. Humans are also political animals because they cannot fully be human without participating in a city-state (Aristotle (2)).
2. Why, according to Aristotle, could a person living outside a community be dangerous?
Aristotle believed a person living outside a community to be dangerous as they are above humanity or below it. He further states that they are tribeless, lawless, and heartless, which poses a threat. Homer states that "the outcast who is a lover of war; may be compared to a bird which flies alone"(Aristotle (2)).
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3. Does Aristotle see the individual as inevitably in conflict with the state? Why/Why not?
Yes, Aristotle sees the individual as in conflict with the state due to the state being in creation with nature and that man is by nature a political animal that expects us to congregate by forming a state. Being out of a state (community) is in conflict with the creation of nature. The individual, when isolated, is not self-sufficing (Aristotle (2)).
4. What, according to him, are the main types of constitutions, and what principles do they share?
Democracies, Olgarchies, Kingship(Royalty), Constitutional Government, Roytyranny, Aristocracy. The principle that they share is that they don't have a common good at interest (Aristotle (2)).
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5. "According to Aristotle, for a constitution to work, the only thing needed by its citizens is any shared activity (e. g., commerce). Their social class is irrelevant." Would these be Aristotle's views? Explain.
No, Aristotle stated that men desired to live together all the same and are brought together through common interests; however, social class is relevant. This is evident with the suggestions that Democracy is the best form of constitution due to greater equality and spread of wealth with the majority being benefactors instead of a small group of elites which creates extremes in society that would ultimately lead to the end of a state (Aristotle (2)).
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6. How does he view private education?
Aristotle preferred public education rather than private and that it should be the same for all whereby private education would mean some would get better than others (Aristotle (2)).
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7. "The only education which Aristotle values are a 'liberal education'." Your comments?
No Aristotle believed liberal education should be taught by parents and that it was imperative. However, Aristotle actually values reading, writing, gymnastic exercis...
