Single Idea 101

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / h. Fine deeds]

Full Idea

Nobody attributes happiness to a slave, unless he also attributes to him a life of his own.

Gist of Idea

Slaves can't be happy, because they lack freedom

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1177a08)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.328


A Reaction

Give them freedom then! In 'Politics' he allows a degree of friendship between masters and slaves, and recognises that not all slaves are stupid.