PSCI 2301 Lecture Notes - Philosopher King, Aristocracy, Oligarchy
Document Summary
Book 1: man is by nature a social and political animal. A man without a city is either a beast or a god. Reason and speech, being able to deliberate, think, engage in the good life. Engage in human elements of speech, deliberation, education, etc. Man is by nature active: the city by nature, aim = good life, self-sufficient and completeness = happiness, division between public and private. Household providing the good things of life. Idea that there are slaves by nature slavery necessary to the good life. 4: politics authority of statesmen over equals. Political definitions/institutions: city (polis) association or partnerships aiming at self-sufficiency and good life, regime (constitution) arrangement and distribution of offices. Authoritative element and aim to which the association is formed: citizens one who participants in deliberation of justice in the regime (functional definition, not a natal one), political institutions (division of powers) Legislative branch assembly, parliament, congress, about deliberation and decisions.