Aristotle's Arguments For Democracy

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Aristotle's arguments for democracy, which are based on his concepts of the citizen, the city and the constitution. It compares his teaching that the aim and principle of a
constitution is its concept of justice to the teaching of his mentor, Plato. The paper analyzes Aristotle's concept of justice in a democracy.

From the Paper:

"Aristotle, however, is still not satisfied. Although "the assembly, the council, and the court consist of many people" (Stalley 111) can and should act as a safeguard for unworthy people assuming office, Aristotle wants guarantees, and like the framers of the Constitution he wants it in writing. The means by which the constitution of a city organizes the life of its citizens is through law. Since rightly constituted laws are framed by Aristotle as the final sovereign, it is clear that "laws must be laid down in accordance with constitutions; and...it follows that laws which are in accordance with right constitutions must necessarily be just" (Stalley 112). The fact that Aristotle uses the plural may indicate that not only was he familiar with good and bad (perverted) constitutions, but he may even have recognized the need for a constitution to be amended because "owing to the difficulty of framing general rules for all contingencies [the may be unable] to make an exact pronouncement" (Stalley 112)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Stalley, R.F. Aristotle Politics. Oxford. Oxford University Press. 1995.

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