Aristotle's Background Aristotle was born in Northern Greece. His father was the physician to the Macedonian King. As a boy he was surrounded by physicians and he lived in the world of biological science. At the age of seventeen he left home and went to Athens. He entered Plato’s academy and began to learn everything that Plato could teach him. He was Plato’s prize student however, his views on philosophy were quite different.

Aristotle and Plato Aristotle began teaching at Plato’s academy and he was called the “Mind of the School” by Plato. When Plato died Aristotle went north again and he was summoned by King Phillip to teach his son: Alexander the Great.

The beginning of Aristotle's views Aristotle wanted to develop a universal way of thinking. Aristotle was known as a great thinker and a great teacher. He differed from Plato based on his thoughts on realism. Plato believed in idealism and Aristotle believed in realism. Realism is that objects of matter exists independently of what is thought about in the mind.

Example of realism Things are able to exist without being observed by the mind. If a tree falls in the forest, and no one sees it fall, did the tree really fall or does it exist? Idealism says “no” and Realism says “yes.”

The realist’s aim is to discover the workings of the universe by examining the world. Natural law is built into the nature of reality. Values are also obtained by observations of nature. Through the study of nature, we study the basic ethical laws that are built into the order of nature.

Man is known as the “maker, the doer, and the knower.” The three views of man Man is known as the “maker, the doer, and the knower.” The maker: he is concerned with making things good and beautiful. The doer: He is a moral and social being. He strives for the highest good. Man is virtuous and ethical. The knower: Man is acquiring all the knowledge that is possible, he is concerned with finding the truth.

Aristotle’s ethical thinking Practical thinking is the basis of Ethical thinking. Practical thinking requires us to think about the goals we are aiming at as humans. It is choosing a particular means to attain a goal. Aristotle chooses to think in terms of ends and means. The end is our goal and the means is the way we achieve the goal.

The Basis of Ethics The good is that which all things aim The good for humanity is happiness Virtue or excellence is the full development of potentials. A human is a rational being and acts with reason. To be virtuous is to act with reason and choose the right actions. The good life involves friendships with virtuous people and to develop intellectual virtues.

Nicomachean Ethics Considered by many as Aristotle’s most popular works. He identifies the purpose of all ethics is the search for the ultimate good and that good is identified as happiness. “The end toward which men strive in life is happiness.” Aristotle notes that the final good is happiness but never at the cost of others.

Living well and pursuing happiness The end to the means is to live a good life. The course in which we do that is to live well. The right plan is to be thoughtful and thinking of the ends to what you pursue. The final good defines our behavior. Happiness is the final end to the good. Thomas Jefferson believed we have equal right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Free choice and happiness are inherent in human nature.

Thomas Jefferson also believed that in order to have rights we must have the natural desire to live well. Because we have the same human nature, we have the same natural rights.

The virtuous life Aristotle tells us that a well planned life also has virtue. Virtue meant excellence to the ancient Greeks Virtues are good and moral decisions that a person makes for the soul. The soul helps us make good decisions. Virtue helps us make right and couragous decisions for the highest good.

How does this affect politics? This sets forth the goal of human happiness and fulfillment. By putting these ideals into practice, it forms a model for political expertise.

Aristotle on politics Man is a social being, we live together as members of a organized society, which is called a “polis.” This follows the order of nature, because we see insects and animals living together in functioning societies. Small groups of societies come together to form a larger society. The larger societies are cities and states. The smallest of societies is considered a family.

Aristotle claims that man is a political animal because of his will to develop customs and laws to reach a final good. A good life is a civilized state. Justice will step in to bind people together peacefully in a larger human society. In a smaller society such as a family or human friendships, there is the presence of love. Love will bring a good life and civilized state. Justice in larger societies will intervene where love fails.

Government Aristotle’s view of a good society is one that is governed well. Human beings will not live harmoniously in the absence of government. The government should serve the common good of the people whom are governed. It should not be selfish to the interest of those whom are in power.

Good Government Vs. Bad Government He recognized three forms of government: A state with one ruler A state with several rulers A state in which all rule.

Good Versus Deviant One Ruler Kingship or Monarchy Tyranny Few Rulers Aristocracy Oligarchy Many Rulers Polity Democracy

The Deviant forms of government are based on the interest of the one ruler or rulers, and does not take in consideration the interest of all the people. The Deviant form of one ruler is the self interest of the King. The Deviant form of a few rulers, involves the most wealthy. The Deviant form of many rulers include the upper middle class, but leaves out the poor.

Government best for Aristotle Aristotle actually believed a Monarchy was the best form of government, but due to the temptation of falling into a deviant government based on self-interest he felt a constitutional government was best for all citizens.

The Constitutional Government Individuals will posses moral virtue and live a life that will attain excellence and happiness reaching for the common good of all.

Aristotle's views on politics are not just a look at government, but we must first understand his views on man and the order of nature. His views are very complex, but they can also be broken down to the works of Thomas Jefferson who spoke of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.