Slave and Master by Nature

Chapter 5

1. The Nature and Justice of Slavery

• Question of Natural Slavery: Aristotle questions whether slavery is natural and just, or contrary to nature, and if some individuals are naturally suited for slavery.
• Ruling and Being Ruled: He asserts that ruling and being ruled are necessary and advantageous, with some born to rule and others to be ruled.

2. Universal Presence of Ruling and Being Ruled

• Rule in All Forms of Life: Rule exists between a ruling and a ruled element, whether animate or inanimate, such as the harmony in music.
• Soul and Body: In living beings, the soul naturally rules over the body, establishing a natural hierarchy.

3. Investigating Natural Conditions

• Aristotle suggests studying rulership in ideal conditions where the body and soul are in natural order, unlike depraved conditions where the body may rule over the soul.

4. Mastery and Political Rule in the Animal World

• Mastery vs. Political Rule: Differentiates between the soul's rule over the body (mastery) and the intellect's rule over desire (political or kingly rule), demonstrating natural hierarchical relationships.

5. Rulership Between Humans and Animals

• Humans Ruling Over Animals: Tame animals benefit from being ruled by humans, paralleling his views on human relationships.
• Male and Female Relationship: Aristotle views the relationship between male and female as naturally hierarchical.

6. The Natural Slave

• Defining the Natural Slave: Describes natural slaves as individuals suited only for bodily tasks, lacking the capacity to fully possess reason.

7. Physical and Mental Differences Between Free Persons and Slaves

• Natural Differences in Body and Soul: Ideally, slaves and free persons should show distinct physical and mental traits suitable for their roles, though this isn't always clear in practice.

8. Hypothetical Superiority and Visible Distinctions

• If physical distinctions were as clear as those between gods and mortals, the superiority of free persons and the natural status of slaves would be undisputed.

9. Conclusion: Slavery as Natural and Just for Some

• Slavery is Natural and Just for Some: Aristotle concludes that slavery is natural and just for those who are naturally slaves, as it allows them to fulfill their function under rational governance.

Key Takeaways

• Ruling and being ruled are inherent in all forms of life and are beneficial.
• The natural order prescribes a hierarchy within the soul, human relationships, and between humans and animals.
• Slavery is justified for those naturally suited to subordination, allowing them to function optimally under those capable of rational thought.

Video Explanation