Aristotle’s Democratic Polis: Explanation or Warning?

• Authors: Vasillopulos Christopher
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

A democratic polis requires a citizenry that is capable of choice, that is, a decision informed by reason and facts. Tyranny requires obedient subjects. Democratic citizens normally pursue happiness, a life of virtuous activity, a way of living that requires fami-ly and friendship. Periclean Athens demonstrates the perils of democracy when the polis assumes the prerogatives of the family and friendship, substituting patriotism. The Funeral Oration illustrates how a seductive charismatic leader undermines Aristotelian conditions of ideal citizenship by subordinating the citizen to the polis.

Keywords

EN

Pericles; Aristotle; democracy; citizenship; friendship; happiness; rationality

• Publisher: Instytut Filozofii i Socjologii Polskiej Akademii Nauk; Fundacja Filozofia Na Rzecz Dialogu
• Journal: Dialogue and Universalism
• Year: 2015
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 203-210

Contributors

author

Vasillopulos Christopher

• University of California, Berkeley