Aristotle Democracy - Book Report/Review Example

HERE HERE YOUR HERE HERE Aristotle Democracy Aristotle was a historical advocate for moderation who praised self-control and the social spread of knowledge to improve the well-being and mental capacity of men. When speaking of virtue, democracy as the best form of government implies that government will take into consideration knowledge-sharing and hold back no truths from the general population. However, to this end, the need for citizens to be reformed and sophisticated in terms of ethical behavior and rationality are important to gain any kind of meaningful governmental structure that promotes equality and truth.

The higher class citizens, usually those who control and regulate governmental principles, are often considered those who exploit their authority and do not balance these tried-and-true principles of ethical and moral virtue. They are described as growing into great criminals because of this sense of aristocracy, therefore stripping lower- and middle-class citizens of their fellowship with others in society. This is why Aristotle believes that remaining a middle-class citizen in a democracy is of more value due to the moderation that is borne of more pious living, even though this position is often forced upon lower-class populations.

With wealth comes a lack of personal obedience that continues to search for new methodologies to exploit those in lesser financial positions. It creates factions, sometimes, of tyrannical leadership since higher-class leadership is not exposed to hardship that often breeds a more dedicated and truthful citizen. Because of this tendency, the democracy should be developed and molded in the middle tiers of the class system so that no single faction is able to become a dominant and oppressive regime.

The middle class in a democracy is more plentiful than higher class citizens who often attain authority because of their status in society. Aristotle is pointing out that the important lessons learned from a life of temperance, from those in lesser social and financial positions, constitutes the most appropriate ruling party to ensure trust, compliance, and overall citizenship camaraderie. The democratic structure intended to guide American government is comparable to the Athenian value system and one that is strongly supported by middle and lower-class citizens today.

Oligarchical leadership, due to their lack of submission and deference, are not emotionally or mentally equipped to maintain a leadership role as they often seek their own advantages first over those of the needs of common men. This is often found in today’s democratic society when union representatives that favor the needs of the common man rise up against tyrannical leadership who do not promote justice or good faith to the general citizen. Essentially, it is suggested that higher-class citizens who attain authority will eventually work toward coveting others’ goods and should not be allowed to develop.

Equality is bred in the lower tiers of class statuses and is sufficient for promoting the goodwill of men unlike the rich who consider political supremacy to be more like a personal trophy or victory associated with their image or financial goals. Americans would likely support the Athenian philosophy since it refutes the validity of rich citizens gaining control with a one-sided agenda rather than supporting the goals of the majority.