Single Idea 22565

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 7. Communitarianism / a. Communitarianism]

Full Idea

The political community that is due to those in the middle class is best, and cities can be well governed where the middle class is numerous and strong.

Gist of Idea

The best communities rely on a large and strong middle class

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1295b34)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.99


A Reaction

He specifically connects this to the doctrine of the mean in 'Ethics'. It seems easier for rulers from the middle classes to command universal respect, as the extremes tend to despise one another. What does he mean by 'strong'?

Related Idea

Idea 22563 The middle classes are neither ambitious nor anarchic, which is good [Aristotle]