The Subordination of Ethics to Politics: An Aristotelian Perspective
Table of contents
The Subordination of Ethics to Politics: An Aristotelian Perspective
Overview In the realm of ethics, Aristotle’s Virtue Theory proposes that virtues are not solely individualistic but can be context-dependent and related to one’s role in society. This perspective raises questions about the relationship between ethics and politics, suggesting that the highest virtue may be achieved through subordination to a greater good. Aristotle’s ideas have had a profound impact on Western philosophy, influencing thinkers across centuries.
Context The development of Aristotelian Virtue Ethics occurred within the context of ancient Greek thought, particularly in Athens during the 4th century BCE. This era saw the rise of philosophical inquiry into human nature, ethics, and politics. The works of Aristotle (384-322 BCE) built upon those of his predecessors, such as Plato, while also laying the groundwork for later philosophers like Thomas Aquinas.
Timeline
- Ancient Greece: 8th century BCE - Philosophical inquiry begins in ancient Greece with thinkers like Thales and Solon.
- Plato’s Academy: 387 BCE - Plato founds his Academy in Athens, where Aristotle would later study.
- Aristotle’s Works: 350-322 BCE - Aristotle develops his Virtue Theory, emphasizing the importance of virtues related to one’s social role.
- Hellenistic Period: 323-31 BCE - The Hellenistic era sees a shift in philosophical focus from ethics to epistemology and metaphysics.
- Medieval Period: 5th-15th centuries CE - Aristotle’s works are rediscovered, influencing the development of Scholasticism.
Key Terms and Concepts
1. Virtue Ethics Virtue ethics is a moral philosophy that focuses on character traits (virtues) rather than actions or rules. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtues in oneself to achieve eudaimonia (happiness).
2. Eudaimonia Eudaimonia refers to human flourishing, happiness, or living well. Aristotle believed that eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of human life.
3. Social Role Ethics Social role ethics posits that individuals should prioritize virtues related to their social roles, such as justice for citizens and wisdom for rulers.
4. Meritocracy Meritocracy refers to a system where positions are allocated based on individual merit rather than birth or wealth.
5. Subordination of Ethics to Politics The subordination of ethics to politics suggests that the good community may be more important than the good individual, leading to potential conflicts between personal virtues and civic duties.
6. Aristotle’s Magnanimous Man Aristotle’s magnanimous man is a virtuous individual who possesses great moral character, including courage, justice, and wisdom.
7. Oikeiōsis Oikeiōsis (or “appropriation”) refers to the process of cultivating virtues related to one’s social role through education and habituation.
8. Telos Telos is a Greek term for purpose or goal. In Aristotle’s philosophy, telos is often linked with eudaimonia as the ultimate aim of human life.
Key Figures and Groups
1. Aristotle (384-322 BCE) Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who tutored Alexander the Great and later founded his own school in Athens. His works on ethics, politics, and biology remain influential to this day.
2. Plato (428-348 BCE) Plato was an Athenian philosopher who founded the Academy in 387 BCE, where Aristotle would later study. His philosophical ideas had a profound impact on Western thought.
3. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274 CE) Thomas Aquinas was a Dominican friar and Scholastic philosopher who synthesized Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. His works on ethics and metaphysics remain influential in Western philosophy.
Mechanisms and Processes
Aristotle’s argument for the subordination of ethics to politics can be broken down as follows:
- Virtue Theory: Aristotle develops his Virtue Theory, emphasizing the importance of virtues related to social roles.
- Social Role Ethics: He argues that individuals should prioritize virtues connected to their social roles.
- Meritocracy: Aristotle suggests that meritocratic systems can lead to a focus on individual merit rather than birth or wealth.
- Subordination of Ethics to Politics: This leads to the idea that the good community may be more important than the good individual, resulting in potential conflicts between personal virtues and civic duties.
Deep Background
Aristotle’s ideas on virtue ethics and social role ethics were shaped by his experiences as a tutor to Alexander the Great. His work on oikeiōsis (appropriation) reflects his emphasis on cultivating virtues through education and habituation. The concept of telos (purpose or goal) is central to Aristotle’s philosophy, particularly in his discussion of eudaimonia.
Explanation and Importance
Aristotle’s argument for the subordination of ethics to politics has significant implications for our understanding of virtue ethics and social role ethics. This perspective challenges traditional notions of individualism and emphasizes the importance of considering one’s place within society when developing virtues.
Comparative Insight
In contrast to Aristotle, Immanuel Kant (1724-1804 CE) developed a deontological ethics that prioritized universal moral laws over social roles or individual merit. This highlights the tension between virtue ethics and deontological approaches to morality.
Extended Analysis
1. Social Role Ethics: A Critique Critics argue that Aristotle’s emphasis on social role ethics leads to a form of social contract theory, where individuals are seen as mere means to an end rather than ends in themselves.
2. Virtue and Character Aristotle’s focus on virtues related to social roles raises questions about the nature of character development. Can virtues be cultivated through education or habituation, or do they arise from individual temperament?
3. The Good Community: A Reevaluation Aristotle’s idea that the good community may be more important than the good individual challenges traditional notions of individualism. However, does this lead to a form of collectivism, where individual rights and freedoms are subordinated to collective interests?
Quiz
Open Thinking Questions
- How do you think Aristotle’s Virtue Theory would be received by modern thinkers, particularly those with a more individualistic perspective?
- In what ways can the subordination of ethics to politics be seen as both beneficial and problematic for society?
- Do you believe that virtues related to social roles are essential for achieving eudaimonia, or should individuals focus on developing their own unique character traits?