The Regime of Plato's Laws

Chapter 6

Introduction to Chapter 6

Aristotle begins his analysis of Plato’s second work on political theory, the Laws. While Plato’s Republic offers a more idealistic vision of the state, the Laws shifts toward practical application. In this chapter, Aristotle provides a critical examination of both works, contrasting the idealized regime of the Republic with the more attainable model in the Laws, while also highlighting key weaknesses in both.

1. The Republic and Laws Compared (1264b-1265a)
   • Aristotle first establishes the connection between the Republic and the Laws. He notes that although the Laws is intended to be a more practical guide for cities, it still closely resembles the Republic in many aspects.
   • Socrates' Basic Framework in the Republic (1264b)
     • Division of Society: Socrates divides society into three classes:
       • Farmers and artisans (lower class)
       • Military (guardians)
       • The deliberative and authoritative class (rulers)
     • Lack of Discussion: Socrates does not discuss whether the lower classes (farmers/artisans) participate in governance or warfare. He merely assigns women the same education and military participation as men.
   • Similarities Between the Laws and Republic (1265a)
     • The Laws, though more attainable, still shares most characteristics with the Republic, except for communal ownership of women and property.
     • Key Similarities:
       • Education remains the same in both works.
       • The guardian class avoids necessary work and has communal meals.
       • In the Laws, communal meals include women, and the military force is expanded to 5,000 (as opposed to 1,000 in the Republic).
2. Critique of Practicality (1265a)
   • Aristotle criticizes the practicality of these regimes. He highlights that maintaining a standing military and governing class in idleness, as proposed by both works, would require enormous resources.
   • Territory and Resources
     • To support such a large population in idleness, a city would need territory as vast as Babylon.
     • Laws must consider the size of the land and population, including neighboring territories if the city is to engage in warfare beyond its borders.
   • Need for External Defense
     • Aristotle critiques the assumption that the city’s defense strategy is purely defensive, arguing that it should be formidable outside its own territory as well.
3. Economic Concerns (1265a-b)
   • Aristotle moves to a critique of Plato’s economic ideas, particularly regarding property and wealth distribution.
   • Ambiguity in Defining Wealth
     • Plato defines wealth in terms of moderation, but Aristotle critiques this as vague and unhelpful. Moderation in wealth could still lead to a miserable life.
     • Aristotle proposes defining wealth as "moderation and liberality," arguing that these qualities prevent both excessive luxury and severe hardship.
   • Issues of Equalized Property (1265b)
     • Aristotle notes that while property is equalized in Plato’s model, population growth is left unrestricted.
     • This lack of population control would inevitably lead to surplus citizens who, without property, would suffer from poverty, leading to factional conflict and crime.
   • Historical Reference
     • Aristotle references the ancient legislator Pheidon of Corinth, who believed in keeping the number of citizens equal to avoid such problems. However, in Plato’s Laws, no such restrictions are proposed.
4. Rulers and the Ruled (1265b-1266a)
   • Aristotle critiques Plato’s failure to adequately differentiate between the rulers and the ruled in the Laws.
   • Ruler-Citizen Distinction
     • Plato asserts that rulers and the ruled should differ, but offers little practical guidance on how this distinction would manifest.
   • Property and Land Ownership
     • While Plato allows for wealth to increase fivefold, Aristotle questions why this should not apply to land ownership. He also critiques Plato’s proposal of separating housing into two distinct sites, arguing that it complicates household management.
5. Mixed Regime and Oligarchic Tendencies (1266a)
   • Plato’s regime in the Laws is intended to be a blend of democracy and oligarchy, avoiding extremes of both forms. However, Aristotle finds this model problematic.
   • A Mixed Regime
     • Plato’s model is often praised for blending oligarchy and democracy. Aristotle notes that some regard the Spartan regime as an ideal mixed regime, incorporating elements of monarchy, oligarchy, and democracy.
     • In the Spartan regime, for example:
       • Kingship represents monarchy.
       • The rule of the elders represents oligarchy.
       • The oversight by elected officials (the overseers) is democratic.
   • Critique of the Laws as Oligarchic (1266a)
     • Aristotle critiques the Laws for inclining too heavily toward oligarchy.
     • The election of officials is skewed in favor of the wealthy, as the well-off are compelled to participate in elections and political tasks, while the lower classes are excused from such duties.
6. Election of Officials (1266a-b)
   • Aristotle analyzes the system of electing officials in Plato’s Laws, pointing out potential flaws and oligarchic biases.
   • Election Procedure
     • Plato’s system involves selecting officials by lot from previously elected candidates, which Aristotle critiques as oligarchic and prone to manipulation.
     • The wealthier citizens have a disproportionate influence, as they are required to elect officials, while poorer citizens may abstain, leading to unequal representation.
   • Risks of the Election Process
     • Aristotle warns that even a small group of wealthy citizens could coordinate elections to suit their interests, undermining the fairness of the system.
7. Conclusion: General Critique of the Laws (1266b)
   • Aristotle concludes by highlighting the inconsistencies and impracticalities in Plato’s Laws. He argues that the regime is neither a true mixture of democracy and oligarchy nor as functional as it appears. The election process and distribution of property favor the wealthy, leaning toward oligarchy, and the unrealistic expectations regarding military size, land, and resource management further weaken the model.

Final Thoughts

In Chapter 6 of Politics Book II, Aristotle offers a comprehensive critique of Plato’s Laws. He acknowledges Plato’s sophisticated arguments but remains skeptical about their practicality. The chapter serves as an important comparison between Plato’s idealism and Aristotle’s pragmatism in political theory. Aristotle's detailed examination underscores his belief that laws and regimes must be grounded in reality, taking into account the complexities of human nature, resource management, and social organization.

Video Explanation