BOOK 4 Chapter 2 The Regimes & What is to be Studied

Chapter 2

1. Introduction: Recap of Previous Discussion on Regimes

• Review of Correct Regimes and Deviations:
  • Aristotle begins by summarizing the three correct regimes: kingship, aristocracy, and polity (also referred to as “the regime that is named regime”), and their deviations: tyranny (from kingship), oligarchy (from aristocracy), and democracy (from polity, which is the way many translate translates the regime called regime).
  • He notes that aristocracy and kingship have been previously discussed because both of these regimes claim to be based on virtue and excellence, although they differ in structure.
• Focus of This Chapter:
  • The remaining task is to examine polity (or the regime called regime, which has the name of the regime in general [this in the Greek begs to ask is he really talking about the regime in general and not a specific regime]), as well as democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny in greater detail.

2. Ranking the Deviations from Correct Regimes

• The Worst and Second-Worst Regimes:
  • Aristotle argues that the worst deviation is tyranny because it deviates from kingship, which is considered the most divine and excellent of the regimes.
  • Tyranny is seen as the most distant from a true regime because it is based on absolute rule without regard for virtue.
  • Oligarchy is the second-worst deviation because it represents a corruption of aristocracy, but is not as extreme as tyranny.
  • Democracy is described as the most moderate deviation, meaning it is less harmful or extreme than the others.
• Comparison to Earlier Thinkers:
  • Aristotle acknowledges that earlier political theorists also recognized differences between regimes but held different views. For example, some argued that there are better and worse forms of oligarchy and democracy.
  • Aristotle disagrees, asserting that while some regimes may be less bad, they are still inherently flawed and should not be described as good in any sense.

3. Distinguishing the Varieties of Regimes

• Different Types of Democracy and Oligarchy:
  • Aristotle suggests there are multiple kinds of both democracy and oligarchy, rather than a single form of each. This is an important distinction that needs further exploration.
• The Most Attainable and Choiceworthy Regime After the Best:
  • After examining the best regime (the one based on virtue and excellence), Aristotle wants to focus on regimes that are attainable and practical for most cities.
  • He plans to explore which regime—whether democracy, oligarchy, or some other type—would be the most choiceworthy (worthy of being chosen) after the best regime, particularly for cities that cannot achieve the best possible regime.
• Aristocratic Regime Suitable for Most Cities:
  • Aristotle also raises the question of whether there is a moderate or aristocratic regime that is well-constituted and can be applied to most cities. This suggests that some form of mixed regime may be both practical and virtuous for many communities.

4. Determining the Best Fit for Different Cities

• Regime Fit for Specific Cities:
  • Aristotle emphasizes that different types of cities may be best suited to different forms of regime. For some cities, democracy may be more appropriate, while for others, oligarchy may be preferable.
  • This reflects Aristotle’s pragmatic approach to politics: the best regime is not universally applicable but must be tailored to the specific conditions and character of each city.
• How to Establish Different Regimes:
  • Aristotle intends to discuss how to establish both democracy and oligarchy in their various forms. This implies that there are practical steps a legislator or ruler can take to create these regimes in a way that suits the particular needs of a city.

5. Destruction and Preservation of Regimes

• Summary of Key Regime Topics:
  • After providing a detailed examination of the various types of democracy and oligarchy, Aristotle plans to address how these regimes can be preserved or how they might be destroyed.
  • He aims to explore the sources of destruction and preservation for all regimes in general, as well as for each specific type of regime. This will include understanding the natural causes of regime change and instability.

Key Themes and Concepts in Chapter 2:

1. Deviations from Correct Regimes:
   • Aristotle ranks the deviations of correct regimes, with tyranny being the worst, oligarchy the second worst, and democracy the most moderate. This hierarchical approach to deviations is central to understanding his critique of flawed regimes.
2. Variety of Regimes:
   • There are multiple forms of both democracy and oligarchy, which must be studied separately. Not all democracies or oligarchies are the same, and some forms are less bad than others.
3. Attainable and Choiceworthy Regimes:
   • After considering the best possible regime, Aristotle focuses on which regimes are attainable and choiceworthy for most cities. He suggests that some cities may benefit from aristocratic or mixed regimes.
4. Regime Fit for Specific Cities:
   • Different cities have different political needs based on their circumstances. For some, democracy is more appropriate, while for others, oligarchy may be the best option. This flexibility is key to Aristotle’s political thought.
5. Establishing and Maintaining Regimes:
   • Practical guidance will be offered on how to establish various forms of democracy and oligarchy, and Aristotle will discuss how these regimes can be preserved or how they may be destroyed.

This chapter serves as a bridge between the theoretical exploration of the best regime in earlier sections and the more practical examination of various regimes that Aristotle will develop in the following chapters. It highlights Aristotle’s pragmatic approach to politics, emphasizing the need to tailor regimes to the specific conditions of each city while also recognizing the importance of preserving political stability.

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