Political Philosophy of Aristotle and His contribution in Politics

Aristotle, one of the most prominent philosophers in ancient Greece, had a significant impact on the development of Western political thought. His political concepts revolve around the idea that the purpose of government is to promote the common good and that different forms of government are suitable for different types of societies. In this essay, we will examine in detail each of Aristotle's political concepts and how they have influenced political thought over the centuries.

First, Aristotle believed that the main purpose of government is to create conditions that allow citizens to live a good life. He argued that government should promote the common good and protect the rights of individuals. This concept of the common good is central to Aristotle's political philosophy and is rooted in the idea that the state exists for the benefit of its citizens. He believed that the ultimate goal of government is to create a society where citizens can live a virtuous life and achieve their full potential.

Second, Aristotle believed that different types of societies require different forms of government. He identified three main types of government: monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. Each of these forms of government has its own strengths and weaknesses. A monarchy, for example, is best suited for small states where the ruler has the ability to make quick decisions. An aristocracy, on the other hand, is best suited for larger states where a group of people with similar interests and values make decisions on behalf of the state. Democracy, according to Aristotle, is best suited for states where the citizens are virtuous and can make decisions for themselves.

Third, Aristotle believed that the best course of action is usually the middle ground, or the "golden mean" between two extremes. He thought that virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom all have a mean, and that individuals should strive to find this mean in order to lead a good life. For example, the virtue of courage lies between the extremes of cowardice and recklessness. Similarly, the virtue of wisdom lies between the extremes of ignorance and cleverness. This concept of the mean is an important aspect of Aristotle's political philosophy and has been influential in the development of Western thought.

Fourth, Aristotle believed that virtue is essential for individuals to lead a good life. He believed that individuals should strive to be virtuous in order to be happy and that virtues such as courage, wisdom, and justice are necessary for living a good life. He believed that virtue is not something that can be taught but rather something that must be acquired through practice. This concept of virtue has been influential in the development of Western ethical and moral thought.

Finally, Aristotle believed that virtue should be practiced by both citizens and rulers, and that the government should be set up in a way that allows citizens to practice and develop virtue. He believed that virtuous rulers would create a virtuous society and that a virtuous society would produce virtuous rulers. He believed that this virtuous society would be one in which citizens can live a good life and achieve their full potential.

In conclusion, Aristotle's political concepts have had a significant impact on the development of Western political thought. His belief that the purpose of government is to promote the common good, his identification of different forms of government, his concept of the mean, his emphasis on virtue, and his belief that both citizens and rulers should practice virtue have all been influential in shaping political thought over the centuries. These concepts continue to be studied and debated by scholars and political theorists today.