Single Idea 5852

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 3. Constitutions]

Full Idea

There are four types of constitution: democracy (whose purpose is freedom), oligarchy (for wealth), aristocracy (for education and customs), and monarch or tyranny (for security).

Gist of Idea

The four constitutions are democracy (freedom), oligarchy (wealth), aristocracy (custom), tyranny (security)

Source

Aristotle (The Art of Rhetoric [c.350 BCE], 1365b28-37)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Art of Rhetoric', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,H.C. [Penguin 1991], p.102


A Reaction

An aristocracy seems to be the guardians of tradition and culture (as in an English public school education). The tyranny of Hitler and Stalin did not exactly lead to security. Democracy and aristocracy are the front-runners. Compare Idea 2821.

Related Idea

Idea 2821 The six constitutions are monarchy/tyranny, aristocracy/oligarchy, and polity/democracy [Aristotle]