Did Aristotle believe that people who do not have aptitude or time to participate in governance should not be citizens? The answer is no. Since there are, in fact, citizens who are incompetent and too busy, there obviously may be citizens who are incompetent or too busy. Since they are actual, they must be possible.
Remember Aristotle's orientation. Unlike his teacher Plato, Aristotle is very conservative. He thinks we should be very cautious about changing laws, which embody the wisdom of the ages. For him, politics is just a branch of practical knowledge. It deals with humans living in groups.
It we actually look at citizens, it's difficult to find one thing that they all have in common.
Normally, citizens are people who have political power in the sense that they are able to sit on juries and participate in the assembly [1275b]. Similarly, normally, citizens have one or both parents who are citizens.
Yet Aristotle realizes that there are exceptions, and he doesn't himself argue for a clear answer to the question, "Who should be a citizen?"
Remember that Aristotle believed in slavery. He probably thought of citizens as only being property-owning males.
Aristotle classifies dwellers into three categories based on their relationship to the polis (city-state): citizens, who actively participate in governance; non-citizens, who live in the polis but do not have political rights; and slaves, who are considered property and lack autonomy. Citizens are essential for the functioning of the state, while non-citizens and slaves contribute to the economy and society but do not have a role in political life. This classification reflects Aristotle's views on the ideal structure of society and governance.
Aristotle defines a polity as a form of government that combines elements of democracy and oligarchy, representing a middle ground between these two extremes. In his view, a polity is characterized by the rule of many, where citizens participate in governance for the common good, rather than for the benefit of a select few. This system aims to promote justice and stability, ensuring that power is distributed more equitably among the populace. Ultimately, Aristotle sees a polity as the most balanced and effective form of governance.
Aristotle preferred government by the many, not by the few.Like Plato,however,he was suspicious of democracy,which he thought could lead to mob rule.Instead,he was favored a constitutional government ruled by members of the middle class.
According to Aristotle, a good government is one that seeks the common good and promotes the well-being of all its citizens. He believed that a good government should uphold laws that are just, provide for the basic needs of its people, and allow for the participation of its citizens in decision-making. Aristotle also emphasized the importance of moderation and balance in governance.
Aristotle describes democracy as a form of government where power is held by the majority of the people, who participate in decision-making through voting and elections. He views democracy as a rule by the people, emphasizing the importance of political participation and equality among citizens.
Citizens are expected to participate more actively in a democracy. in a republic, citizens do not participate as directly.
Aristotle's ideal democracy was a system where the middle class held political power, promoting a balance between the rich and poor. He believed in a system where citizens participated in decision-making and governance, emphasizing the importance of a well-regulated constitution to prevent tyranny.
Aristotle believed that the state is a natural entity essential for achieving the good life, emphasizing the importance of community and political participation. He argued that the state arises from the family and village, evolving to fulfill the collective needs of its citizens. Additionally, Aristotle highlighted the significance of virtue and the role of citizens in governance, asserting that a well-functioning state requires a moral and educated populace to maintain justice and harmony.
Yes, Aristotle's writings, particularly his ideas on governance and ethics, influenced the philosophical foundations of the U.S. Constitution. His concepts of civic virtue, the importance of a mixed government, and the role of citizens in a democracy resonated with the Founding Fathers. They drew from various philosophical sources, including Aristotle, to shape the principles of justice, equality, and the balance of powers, which are central to the Constitution. Thus, Aristotle's thought contributed to the Enlightenment ideals that underpin American democratic governance.
They don't participate because they are a autocratic goverment.
Aristotle believed that some people were born with the ability to rule, while others were born with the ability to be ruled. He saw slaves as belonging to the latter category, believing that they lacked the capacity for reason and self-governance required to be free citizens. Aristotle also viewed slavery as a necessary part of maintaining social order and fulfilling the needs of society.
Citizens are expected to participate in decision-making primarily in democracies, where governance is based on the principles of popular sovereignty and political equality. In democratic systems, mechanisms such as voting, public consultations, and civic engagement initiatives enable citizens to influence policies and elect representatives. Additionally, participatory democracies emphasize direct involvement of citizens in political processes, allowing for more grassroots decision-making.