The Ethics of Spartan Governance
Table of contents
The Ethics of Spartan Governance
Overview This study examines the philosophical debates surrounding the governance of ancient Sparta, with a focus on the helot system, which allowed Spartans to kill helots at will. The discussion centers on Plutarch’s critique of this institution and its supposed originator, Lycurgus. We will explore the historical context, key figures, and philosophical arguments related to this topic.
Context In ancient Greece, particularly in the 8th century BCE, Sparta emerged as a powerful city-state with a unique system of governance. The Spartans developed a rigid social hierarchy, with full citizens (Spartiates) at the top and helots at the bottom. Helots were agricultural laborers who worked land owned by their Spartan masters. This system was characterized by a high degree of control over the lives of helots, including their ability to be killed by Spartans. The helot system has been the subject of philosophical debate, with some arguing that it was essential for Sparta’s survival and others condemning it as morally reprehensible.
Timeline
- 8th century BCE: Lycurgus, a legendary Spartan lawgiver, is said to have introduced the constitution of Sparta.
- 5th century BCE: The helot system reaches its peak, with Spartans controlling the lives and labor of thousands of helots.
- Plutarch writes his Lives (circa 100-120 CE), including a critique of the helot system.
- 18th century CE: Enlightenment thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau begin to criticize the institution, arguing that it is incompatible with natural law and human dignity.
- 19th century CE: The rise of socialism and communism leads to increased scrutiny of the helot system as a model for oppressive labor relationships.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Helot: A class of agricultural laborers in ancient Sparta who worked land owned by their Spartan masters.
- Spartiate: A full citizen of Sparta, member of the ruling class.
- Lycurgus: Legendary lawgiver credited with introducing the constitution of Sparta.
- Aristocracy: A system of government in which power is held by a small elite group.
- Meritocracy: A system of governance where positions are allocated based on individual merit rather than birth or wealth.
- Social Contract Theory: Philosophical framework arguing that individuals consent to be part of a social order, surrendering some rights for protection and security.
Key Figures and Groups
- Plutarch: Greek historian and biographer who wrote extensively about the lives of ancient Greeks, including Lycurgus and the Spartans.
- Lycurgus: Legendary Spartan lawgiver credited with introducing the constitution of Sparta.
- The Spartans: The ruling class of Sparta, known for their military prowess and strict social hierarchy.
- Ancient Greek Philosophers: Thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Xenophon who debated and critiqued various aspects of ancient Spartan governance.
Mechanisms and Processes
Plutarch’s critique of the helot system can be broken down into several key arguments:
-> Plutarch questions the morality of killing helots at will. -> He attributes this institution to Lycurgus, arguing that it is inconsistent with Lycurgus’ supposed character as a just and merciful lawgiver. -> Plutarch suggests that the helot system was not an essential aspect of Spartan governance, but rather a deviation from the original constitution.
Deep Background The helot system was part of a broader social and economic context. Ancient Sparta was a city-state characterized by a rigid class structure, with full citizens at the top and helots at the bottom. The Spartans controlled the lives and labor of thousands of helots, who worked land owned by their masters.
Explanation and Importance Plutarch’s critique of the helot system highlights the tension between social contract theory and the institution of slavery or oppressive labor relationships. Plutarch argues that a just society should not condone the killing of its subjects, and that Lycurgus’ supposed character as a just lawgiver makes it unlikely that he would have instituted such an ordinance.
Comparative Insight Aristotle, in his Politics, also critiques the helot system, arguing that it is incompatible with the concept of meritocracy, where positions are allocated based on individual merit rather than birth or wealth. Aristotle suggests that a just society should prioritize the common good and protect the rights of all its citizens.
Extended Analysis
- The Nature of Power: How does the institution of slavery or oppressive labor relationships shape the exercise of power in a society?
- Morality and Governance: Can a morally justifiable system of governance be compatible with institutions that allow for the killing of subjects at will?
- The Role of Social Contract Theory: What implications does Plutarch’s critique have for social contract theory, which posits that individuals consent to be part of a social order?
Quiz
Open Thinking Questions
- How do you think the institution of slavery or oppressive labor relationships affects the exercise of power in a society?
- Can a morally justifiable system of governance be compatible with institutions that allow for the killing of subjects at will?
- What implications does Plutarch’s critique have for social contract theory, which posits that individuals consent to be part of a social order?