Aristotle- Slavery in Politics Book 1

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Aristotle, a contemporary of Plato, had a large influence in the evolution and organization of societies throughout the world. Many of his works consisted of lengthy explorations into what he considered the founding principles of happiness, virtue, honor, and reason. He founded the school of Lyceum in Athens. He theorized about the Universe and its ultimate supremacy. He believed the universe had its own telos, or purpose, that was instilled

and at the same time separate from us. The universe's telos followed its own final destiny. It is hard to believe that Aristotle, one of the greatest intellectuals, strongly supported slavery. This man, despite his ethical view, could not see that the soul, morality, and virtue within were equal in all. He believed some humans were essentially and intrinsically better than others.

Ancient Greek society supported a civilization based on slavery. They believed slavery aimed at a goal and had the quality of goodness backing it.

These Athenian slaves were not just what one might typically envision a slave to be. They not only worked in fields, they were personal servants, accountants, teachers and public servants. They were tools of production. There were appendages to their master and without their master, a part of nothing. To Aristotle a society that was broken down into classes naturally occurred. He said , "For that some should rule and others be ruled is a thing not only necessary, but expedient; from the hour of their birth, some are marked out for subjection, others for rule."(Chap 5) He believed all societies should have subordination and super ordination. Aristotle said the two groups mutually have a need for one another to co-exist, and neither group would survive without reliance onto their counterpart. The simplest way he exemplified his theory, was to take the...