Single Idea 22546

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

Full Idea

Those constitutions that aim at the common advantage are correct, whereas those that aim only at the advantage of the rulers are erroneous ones. For they are like the rule of a master, whereas a city is a community of free people.

Gist of Idea

A city is a community of free people, and the constitution should aim at the common advantage

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1279a17)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.61


A Reaction

He is very keen on the full equality of all citizens (even if his concept of a citizen is narrow). This must be connected to his eudaimonist account of ethics. Everyone must flourish. I'm struck by his liberal values.