Aristotle Political Virtue Analysis

Aristotle is largely concerned in the Politics with the idea of political virtue and the effects it has on the formation of the government. He defines political virtue as having a sense of justice, dedication to the common good, and prudence. Throughout his discussion of how various regimes see political virtue, Aristotle refuses to take sides. However, he ultimately argues that the most just regime gives political power to those with the most political virtue. Aristotle concludes that the best regime might be different practically than it is purely, yet he suggests that aristocracy is the most just regime.
Because political virtue is so important to Aristotle’s view of the most just regime, it is important to understand political virtue’s characteristics. The most vital part of political virtue is justice. This suggests that having a so-called “correct” sense of justice is pivotal to a just claim to political office. Unfortunately, there is really no one …show more content…
They would argue more along the lines of today’s liberals. The Greek democrats argued that the most just claim to power was from the majority – those sharing in equal freedom. They also argue that it is best to use the virtues of each person in a democracy all together rather than relying on a few people having every virtue. Aristotle sums up this argument by saying that “the many, of whom none is individually an excellent man, nevertheless can when joined together be better – not as individuals but all together – than those who are best” (Politics 1281b1-3). However, he also warns against the dangers of an unvirtuous population. In fact, Aristotle asks, “what difference is there between some multitudes and beasts, so to speak?” (Politics 1281b20-21). This question suggests that the democratic form of justice is impractical because the citizens of a democracy may be unvirtuous and use their power to oppress the minority or otherwise make unwise