Ancient-Greek-Political-Theory-Aristotle.pptx

Ancient-Greek-Political-Theory

1. Ancient Greek Political Theory Exploring how ancient Greek political thinkers responded to the rise of democracy. by Αντωνης παπαοικονομου

2. Glaucon's Challenge Disconnect between Politics and Happiness Men do not see justice as essential to their wellbeing. The Ring of Gyges Why should the powerful act justly if they can fulfil desires with impunity? Legitimising Justice Justice must be shown as essential to personal wellbeing.

3. The Polis Boundary 1 Defining the Polis The polis created a space between slavery and tyranny. 2 Citizenship and Freedom Citizenship offered tangible benefits like freedom and security. 3 Transcending Social Status Political status formally transcended social and economic status.

4. Tensions in the Polis Civic and Personal Identity Potential for conflict between civic and personal identity was built into the polis. Stasis and Faction Factional strife was a clash of interests, but also a mark of civic commitment. Accommodating Duality The ability to accommodate this dual identity was the hallmark of Athenian democracy.

5. Aeschylus and Democratic Politics 1 Integrating Civic and Personal Claims Aeschylus explored how democratic politics could reconcile civic and kinship-related claims. 2 The Argive Decree Commitment to political authority and consent as the basis for order. 3 Conflict between Polis and Family The Oresteia trilogy reflects concerns about democracy undermining traditional authority.

6. Protagoras and Democratic Theory Socialization and Leadership Political interaction fosters good judgement and leadership in the demos. Transforming Individual Interests The polis transforms individual desires into collective wellbeing. Extending Excellence to All Democratic polis enables the best to flourish, regardless of social status.

7. Critiques of the Polis Arbitrary and Coercive Decisions of the demos seen as based on individual belief, not the common good. Manipulation through Rhetoric Persuasion reduces others to slaves, compelling action against their interests. Prioritising Individual Desires Calls to base order on natural desires rather than political constraints.

8. Plato's Response Transforming the Individual The just polis embeds reason over appetite in the psyche of each citizen. Eliminating Conflict Plato's ideal polis secures individual wellbeing by mirroring each person's real interests. Extending Citizenship Even slaves are incorporated as philoi, friends, in Plato's just polis.

9. Aristotle's Approach Normative and Empirical Separates the ideal from the reality of political life. Restricted Citizenship Excludes the 'necessary and useful' from the best polis. Adapting to Citizens Analyses how constitutions can best suit the character of the citizenry. Qualified Democracy Ranks democracies based on the 'natural classification' of the citizens.

10. Thucydides' Perspective Acknowledges Conflict Accepts the possibility of disorder and the triumph of desire over reason. Historical Understanding Offers a historical analysis to guide prudent action in changing circumstances. Periclean Leadership Emphasises the importance of leaders who can mediate between citizens and the polis.