Dr. Clifford Angell Bates, prof. ucz., a native of Rhode Island, specializes in political science with a focus on political philosophy and theory, including comparative politics, international releations, literature and politics, and American constitutional thought. He is the author of Aristotle’s Best Regime (LSU, 2004) and The Centrality of the Regime for Political Science (WUW, 2016).
Slave and Master by Law
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
1. Double Meaning of Slavery: Natural vs. Conventional Slavery
Two Types of Slavery: Aristotle distinguishes between natural slavery (some individuals are slaves by nature) and conventional slavery (enslavement by law or convention, often from war).
Conventional Slavery (War): This form is based on the premise that those conquered in war are owned by the conquerors, a controversial view as it suggests might makes right.
2. Debate on the Justice of War-Conquest Slavery
Challenge to the Justice of Conquest Slavery: Many, including philosophers and legal scholars, argue against the justice of enslaving others solely based on force and power.
Virtue and Force: The debate centers on whether power is connected to virtue, influencing the perception of justice in the rule of the superior.
3. Justice in Slavery from War
War-Conquest Slavery as a Form of Justice: Some view this form of slavery as just under the law, yet question its absolute justice due to the possibility of enslaving well-born individuals in unjust wars.
4. Distinction Between Slaves and Barbarians
Barbarians as Natural Slaves: Some defenders of conquest slavery use the concept of 'barbarians' to justify natural slavery, associating it with innate inferiority.
5. The Role of Virtue and Nature in Determining Freedom and Slavery
Virtue as the Basis for Freedom or Slavery: The notion that virtue or vice determines one's status as free or slave, although nature does not always guarantee virtuous offspring from virtuous parents.
6. Validity of the Dispute and the Natural Slave
Dispute Over Natural vs. Conventional Slavery: The debate has merit as not all are suited for slavery or freedom; however, for some, being slaves is both just and advantageous.
7. Mastery and the Natural Order of Rule
Natural Mastery: It is natural and beneficial for some individuals to be ruled, similar to the soul ruling the body or intellect guiding passions.
8. Friendship and Justice in Master-Slave Relationships
Advantage and Friendship in Natural Slavery: A form of friendship can exist in natural slavery where the relationship is mutually beneficial, unlike those enslaved by force or convention.
Key Takeaways
Slavery has two meanings: natural and conventional, with debates concerning the justice of each, particularly concerning enslavement from war.
The role of virtue and nature in determining freedom or slavery highlights a complex interplay of ethics and social structure.
Natural slavery is argued to be just and beneficial for those suited to it, whereas conventional slavery, especially from war, is seen as more problematic and unjust.
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