Aristotle's Middling Regime

Essay # 45974

Philosophy > Ancient Greek
Political Science
Political Science > Political Theory

A look at Aristotle's idea of the best regime.

1,760 words () | 3 sources | APA | 2003 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper examines what Aristotle describes in the "Politics" as a "mixed" or "middling" regime. It examines whether this regime is, in fact, the polis or the best regime, or whether it is something different.

From the Paper:

"The question of the middle class in Aristotle is initially raised as a part of the question of the best regime. After determining that a true aristocracy (where the most virtuous rule) is unsuitable for a majority of polis?, Aristotle tends to the situation of a less-than-ideal state. In such situations, Aristotle argues that particularly outstanding virtue may not be present in one man or in any group of men. This means that no man is so good or virtuous that he can be trusted with the responsibility of ruling the polis. In response, Aristotle recognizes the polity, which is a combination of what Aristotle assumes to be the best parts of democracy and oligarchy. To create a polity, Aristotle borrows the idea of collective wisdom from democracy, and to a certain degree, the idea of "rule by wealth" from oligarchy and forming a "mixed" or "middling" regime."