Aristotle and the Natual Slave
Aristotle's concept of the best possible regime has great influence on today's society. The concepts and ideas presented within Politics, relate to current issues pressing family relationships as well as human relations with one another. His belief that the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue and excellence will result in a complete and happy life has been discussed throughout time. Aristotle's best possible regime consists of humans and nature together, within a coexistent environment. Aristotle is successful in describing how the individual can achieve happiness. This paper will deal with the realities of Aristotle's views regarding freedom and natural slavery. Although he was successful in describing his thoughts, ideas, and beliefs, the discussion lies within the question, "Why do humans lack happiness?" Therefore, by delving into the views of Aristotle, one can deduce the reasons as to why man has trouble finding happiness in the world. Aristotle was an optimist. This is based on the fact that he believed true human happiness could be achieved. His belief that humans should study the sciences becomes the foundation for the idea that humans could have the potential to b
in intelligence continues to attract the interpreter of the Aristotelian slave" (206). It is possible that although ethnicity was not a deciding factor of who became a slave, mental capability could have been the deciding factor. Aristotle believed in justice and freedom. His philosophy regarding the natural slave included justice and freedom. Slaves during Aristotle's time were free, and they were living a just life. If a natural slave went unnoticed, it would be an act of injustice, because that individual would not be able to achieve their greatest potential. The people who reside in present day society and Aristotle's society are very similar regarding the topic of natural slavery. When the topic of natural slavery is defined correctly, many parallels can be drawn about the meaning of such an extreme and hard to grasp concept. Natural slavery is neither good nor bad, it simply exists. In a way, everyone is enslaved regardless of his or her definition of slavery. Aristotle's analysis of natural slavery exists within our present society as people strive to achieve happiness and the good life as it becomes ever so elusive. Aristotle is able to distinguish the psyche of slaves in nature from that of their masters. The natural mindset of a slave is different than that of the master. Author, C.F. Goodey agrees "the discussion of the psyche cannot be separated in dualistic fashion from that of the body. The useful bodily nature of slaves is not opposed to a separate, natural realm of the mind" (203). A slave is separate from the master; therefore if a slave is truly a natural slave there will be not conflict between the ruler and the ruled.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Politics Book, Slave Aristotle's, Slaves Aristotle's, Civil War, CF Goodey, natural slavery, natural slave, Russell Bentley, achieve happiness, master slave, Publishing Company, natural slaves, aristotle believed, Politics October, Studies March, Theory April, idea natural slavery, slavery exists, idea natural, slavery natural, term natural, natural slavery exists, achieve happiness aristotle, topic natural slavery, strive achieve happiness,
Approximate Word count = 2252
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)
|