POLS 2900 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Platonic Realism, Oligarchy
13 May 2015
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Document Summary
Purpose is to consider what form of political association is best for people to live as they wish. Aristotle has at least 5 criticisms of the kalipolis. The polis cannot manage the same degree of unity like the family. Aristotle wants citizens to be alike as possible. Near identical citizens will be incapable will be unable to be self-sufficient. He has a number of complaints of criticism of communism regarding to the republic. If something is commonly own, everyone is waiting for someone else. Aristotle faults plato for the treatment of non-guardians. The producing class are to be allowed wives, children and property. This creates class conflicts (guardians vs. producing class). Aristotle also complains that guardians cannot make the whole city happy. It is not a city that everyone enjoys well-being. His analysis begins on the basic political units out of which the polis is constructed. There is a distinction between citizens and resident aliens.
