Mastery as Rule and as Science

Chapter 7

1. Distinction Between Mastery and Political Rule

• Different Forms of Rule: Aristotle clarifies that mastery and political rule are fundamentally different. Mastery pertains to the rule over slaves, while political rule involves governance over free and equal citizens.
• Household Management and Monarchy: Household management is likened to a monarchy where one person rules, contrasted with political rule which is a shared governance over free citizens.

2. Nature of Master and Slave

• Master and Slave by Nature: The master is naturally suited to rule, and the slave is naturally suited to be ruled. Aristotle also refers to the practical sciences of mastery and slavery.
• Science of Slavery: This includes practical training, such as in Syracuse where slave boys were taught serving tasks.

3. Science of Mastery

• Science of Using Slaves: Focuses on how to effectively command and use slaves, differing from how to acquire them.
• Command vs. Labor: Mastery involves directing the slaves' tasks without engaging in the tasks directly.

4. Delegation of Mastery and Focus on Higher Pursuits

• Delegation of Tasks: Wealthy individuals may appoint stewards to manage slaves, allowing them to focus on pursuits like politics or philosophy.
• Expertise in Acquiring Slaves: The ability to acquire slaves justly is seen as akin to warfare or hunting.

5. Conclusion on Slave and Master Relationship

• Summary of Mastery: Mastery involves proper use and command of slaves, with a distinct science for the acquisition of slaves, likened to just conquest or warfare.

Key Takeaways

• Mastery and political rule are distinct, with the former governing slaves and the latter governing free and equal individuals.
• Household management resembles a monarchy, in contrast to the shared governance of political rule.