Single Idea 22545

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 4. Citizenship]

Full Idea

It is possible for someone to be an excellent citizen without having acquired the virtue in accord with which someone is an excellent man. …[1278b02] In one sort of city the good man and the excellent citizen are the same.

Gist of Idea

A person can be an excellent citizen without being an excellent man

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1276b33)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.56


A Reaction

Thus confutes my simple summary of Aristotelian ethics as 'be a good citizen!'. He thinks leaders of communities must be excellent men. You can fulfil a role in the city (soldier, doctor, cleaner) without all-round excellence (see 1276b39).