Aristotle Book 3

Book 3: Aristotle "Politics"

Ð'* Aristotle suggests that a citizen is anyone who is entitled to share in deliberative or judicial office (which is limited to individuals in democracies)

Ð'* Citizenship is often reserved for this born to citizen parents, but this can be untrue in times of revolution or constitutional change, during which the body of citizens alters. This raises several accountability questions but Aristotle suggests that a city is defined by its constitution, so that a change in the constitution signifies a change in the city

Ð'* Aristotle claims that a good citizen is one in which upholds and honors the constitution. Perfect virtue is the only standard for being a good man, so it is possible to be a good citizen without being a good man.

Ð'* A good ruler who possesses practical wisdom can be both a good citizen and a good man

Ð'* Aristotle acknowledges that manual laborers are necessary for the city but says that not everyone who is necessary to the city can be a citizen: good citizenship requires that the citizen be free from the necessary tasks of life.

Ð'* There are just constitutions geared toward the well-being for all citizens, and unjust constitutions geared toward the benefit of those in power. There are six kinds of government: 3 just and 3 unjust. Just government by a single person is kingship, by a small group is an aristocracy, and by the masses is politeia, or constitutional government, participation is reserved for those who possess arms. Unjust kingship directly toward the sole interest of the ruler is a tyranny, an aristocracy directed toward to sole interest of the wealthy is an oligarchy, and a constitutional government directed toward the sole interest of the poor is a democracy.

Ð'* Aristotle claims that all constitutions are based on the notion of justice; Oligarchs for instance maintain that it is just to grant benefits in proportion to a person's wealth, while democrats that all are equal and entitled an equal share in the wealth of the city. These differences in distribution result in differing notions about the end result of the city.

Ð'* Aristotle claims that the end result of a city is life of good quality for its citizens, thus benefits should be extended to those who contribute the most to the community, regardless