Aristotle and Slavery

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Aristotle's view that reason was the primary and most important aspect of human nature has important implications for his theory of the political constitution of society and particularly for his justification of slavery. The author points out that Aristotle states that women and slaves have a specific place and function in society because they are more dependent and not as naturally free as men. The paper concludes that, in Aristotle's view, all people are not born equal in political terms; the difference between men, women and slaves in the society is reflected in the political constitution.

From the Paper:

"This reasoning may seem to be somewhat contorted and self-serving. However, one should bear in mind that Aristotle saw slaves as forming an essential part of the functioning of the society. More importantly, the constitution of the political body - if it was to be seen to be directed to the greatest good of all - should include a logical and rational place for slavery. The idea of the city-state which underpinned Aristotle's view of political theory required that a model based on the natural order in nature and particularly on medical science where the different parts of the body functioned to support each other. For example, the rind which is supported and helped to support the body. The idea of slavery that Aristotle supported was based on analogies to these ideas."

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