BOOK 4 Chapter 10 Tyranny

Chapter 10

I. Introduction: Addressing Tyranny in Political Inquiry

1. Necessity of discussing tyranny:
   • Aristotle begins by stating that it is necessary to discuss tyranny, even though it does not require much debate.
   • Reason for inclusion: Tyranny is included in the broader investigation of regimes, as it is a form of political rule, albeit a deviant one.
   • Previous discussions of kingship: Aristotle references earlier discussions on kingship where key issues were addressed, such as:
     • Whether kingship is beneficial or harmful to cities.
     • Who should be king and how kings should be selected.
     • How kingship should be established and its role in governance.

II. Tyranny in Relation to Kingship

1. Two kinds of tyranny related to kingship:
   • Aristotle notes that there are two types of tyranny that overlap with kingship because both forms of rule are based on law.
   • In certain cultures, particularly among barbarians, monarchs with full powers are chosen.
   • Among the ancient Greeks, there were similar rulers called dictators (or tyrants), who had authority akin to kingship.
2. Similarities between kingship and certain forms of tyranny:
   • Both forms are legal and involve monarchic rule over people who are willing to be governed.
   • Tyrannical aspect: Despite being based on law, these forms of rule are also tyrannical in that they resemble the rule of a master over slaves (despotic), governed by the ruler’s personal will rather than the consent of the governed.
   • Key distinction: Although these regimes have elements of kingship, they can also be considered tyrannical because they impose the ruler's will over the subjects, even when the subjects may appear willing.

III. Third and True Form of Tyranny

1. Definition of the third type of tyranny:
   • Aristotle identifies a third form of tyranny, which is the one most traditionally understood as true tyranny.
   • This form is a counterpart to absolute kingship (pambasileia), where the monarch wields unchecked power.
2. Characteristics of true tyranny:
   • Absolute control: A tyranny occurs when a monarch exercises complete, unchallenged rule over people who are similar or better than the ruler.
   • Self-interest: The ruler governs for his own benefit, not for the well-being of the ruled. The focus is on the ruler’s personal gain rather than the common good.
   • Rule over the unwilling: In true tyranny, the ruler governs subjects who are unwilling, as no free person would voluntarily accept such domination.
   • Opposition to free rule: Tyranny is seen as the opposite of legitimate rule, as it is imposed on people who would prefer freedom.

IV. Distinctions Between Different Types of Tyranny

1. Tyranny based on law:
   • The first two forms of tyranny, which share characteristics with kingship, are based on law and often involve the consent of the ruled, at least initially.
   • These forms blend legal authority with elements of despotic control, making them tyrannical to some degree but still lawful.
2. Absolute, lawless tyranny:
   • The third type of tyranny is the purest form, where the ruler has absolute power and governs in opposition to the will of the governed.
   • This type of tyranny is lawless and entirely self-serving, making it the most oppressive and undesirable form of governance.

V. Conclusion: The Types of Tyranny

1. Summary of tyrannies:
   • Aristotle concludes that there are three types of tyranny:
     1. Tyranny resembling kingship, based on law and willing subjects (as seen among barbarians and early Greeks).
     2. Dictatorial tyranny, which overlaps with kingship but operates more tyrannically, imposing the ruler’s will over willing subjects.
     3. True tyranny, the harshest form, where a ruler has unchecked power over unwilling subjects and governs purely for personal advantage.
2. Understanding of tyranny in political systems:
   • This classification shows that tyranny, while often associated with despotism, can take multiple forms, from those based on law to absolute, arbitrary rule.
   • Aristotle's investigation reveals the complex nature of tyranny and its relation to other monarchic regimes.

Summary of Key Themes:

• Tyranny as a form of regime: Although tyranny is a deviant form of rule, it is included in Aristotle’s broader investigation of political regimes.
• Overlap between tyranny and kingship: Certain forms of tyranny share characteristics with kingship, particularly when they are based on law and the consent of the governed.
• True tyranny: The purest form of tyranny is characterized by absolute, unchecked power and self-serving rule over unwilling subjects, in contrast to legitimate forms of governance.
• Three types of tyranny: Aristotle identifies three forms of tyranny—those that resemble kingship, those that overlap with dictatorships, and true tyranny, which is the most oppressive and harmful form of rule.

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