BOOK 6 Chapter 7 How to Make Oligarchies Endure

Chapter 7:

The Role of Different Multitudes and Military Forces in Oligarchy

I. Introduction: The Four Parts of the Multitude and Military Forces (1321a-b)

In this chapter, Aristotle explores the relationship between the different classes of the populace and the military forces in shaping oligarchies. He examines how different social groups and their alignment with certain military roles contribute to either strengthening or weakening the oligarchic regime.

1. Four Classes of the Multitude:
   • Farming class: Represents landowners, those who cultivate the land.
   • Working class: Comprises skilled laborers who perform manual work.
   • Merchant class: Engages in trade and commerce, generating wealth through business.
   • Laboring class: Includes manual laborers and those performing the most basic forms of work.
2. Four Parts of the City’s Military Forces:
   • Horse-rearing element: Wealthy citizens who can afford to maintain cavalry forces.
   • Heavy-armed element: Consists of citizens able to afford armor and weapons, typically from the wealthier classes.
   • Light-armed element: Comprised of lightly armed soldiers, usually poorer citizens.
   • Seafaring element: Made up of sailors and naval personnel, mostly from the lower classes.

II. Military and Social Conditions that Shape Oligarchies (1321a)

Aristotle identifies how different types of military forces align with social classes, and how these alignments shape the nature of oligarchies. Each type of military force corresponds to a different level of wealth, which in turn determines the political structure of the regime.

1. Horse-rearing and Oligarchy:
   • Cavalry is a military force typically supported by wealthy citizens who can afford the expense of maintaining horses.
   • In regions where horse-rearing is prominent, oligarchies tend to be stronger because the ruling class possesses both wealth and military strength.
   • The preservation of oligarchies in such regions often derives from the strength and organization of the cavalry.
2. Heavy-Armed Troops and Oligarchy:
   • Where the population is wealthy enough to support a heavy-armed force (hoplites), oligarchies are also likely to be robust.
   • The heavy-armed force consists mostly of well-off citizens, but not as wealthy as those in the cavalry.
   • These oligarchies are less exclusive than those relying on cavalry but still dominated by the wealthier classes.
3. Light-Armed and Naval Forces: Democratic Tendencies:
   • The light-armed troops and naval forces are composed of poorer citizens, which creates tension with oligarchies.
   • In places where these forces are large and well-organized, the oligarchs often lose out in factional struggles because the light-armed multitude can effectively contend against the wealthier classes.

III. Strategies to Maintain Oligarchic Power (1321a-b)

Aristotle suggests several strategies that oligarchies can use to preserve their power, especially in the face of conflict with democratic forces composed of light-armed and seafaring troops.

1. Combining Forces:
   • To counter the strength of the popular light-armed and naval forces, oligarchies should learn from skilled generals who know how to combine cavalry and heavy-armed forces with a light-armed force.
   • This strategic combination of forces helps oligarchies maintain military superiority over the democratic elements of society.
2. Training the Younger Generations:
   • Oligarchies should focus on training young citizens in the use of auxiliary and light arms from an early age.
   • By incorporating some of the youth into the light-armed forces, oligarchies can create a balanced military structure that prevents factional struggles from favoring the democratically aligned forces.

IV. Inclusion of the Multitude in Governance (1321b)

Aristotle discusses the possibility of giving a share in governance to the multitude, while maintaining the oligarchic nature of the regime. He highlights different approaches used by various cities to incorporate non-elite citizens without undermining the oligarchic structure.

1. Inclusion Based on Wealth:
   • In some oligarchies, only those who meet certain wealth assessments are allowed to participate in governance.
   • This ensures that the ruling class retains control, while giving the wealthier members of the multitude a stake in the regime.
2. Theban Model: Temporary Abstention from Work:
   • In Thebes, those who wished to take part in governance had to abstain from manual labor for a certain period of time.
   • This model allowed for broader participation in politics, but required a demonstration of commitment and stability by refraining from labor for a set duration.
3. Massilia’s Merit-Based System:
   • In Massilia, officials determined who was fit to hold office, whether from within the ruling body or from outside it.
   • This system allowed the multitude to participate, but only those deemed capable by the ruling class were granted the opportunity.

V. Balancing Public Services and Power (1321b)

Aristotle stresses the importance of attaching public services to the most authoritative offices in oligarchies, to ensure that the wealthier citizens, who hold power, are viewed favorably by the people.

1. Public Services as a Condition for Office:
   • Those who hold the most authoritative offices in the oligarchy should be required to perform public services as part of their role.
   • By contributing to the public good, the wealthy rulers can justify their privileged positions and gain the goodwill of the people.
2. Symbolic Sacrifices and Festivals:
   • Upon entering office, officials should make magnificent sacrifices and hold public festivals, contributing to civic life.
   • These acts serve both as a public display of generosity and as a means of building support for the regime, as citizens benefit from the festivities and the city is beautified with statues and public works.
3. The Role of Memorials:
   • Notables should leave behind memorials of their public expenditure, such as statues or buildings, which remind the populace of their contributions.
   • This practice helps to foster a sense of loyalty among the people, as they associate the oligarchic rulers with the prosperity and adornment of the city.

VI. Criticism of Modern Oligarchies (1321b)

Aristotle offers a critique of contemporary oligarchies, arguing that they often fail to follow the practices necessary for their preservation and instead adopt behaviors similar to democracies.

1. Oligarchies Seeking Spoils and Honor:
   • Aristotle criticizes the rulers of modern oligarchies for being more interested in seeking personal gain from office rather than serving the public good.
   • This attitude leads to instability, as the people perceive the ruling class as self-serving and corrupt.
2. Comparison to Small Democracies:
   • Aristotle remarks that modern oligarchies are more akin to small democracies, where rulers seek spoils and honors rather than governing with the long-term interests of the regime in mind.
   • This behavior undermines the very principles of oligarchy, leading to factional struggles and potential collapse.

VII. Conclusion: Establishing and Preserving Democracies and Oligarchies (1321b)

Aristotle concludes the chapter by summarizing the key points on how oligarchies and democracies can be established and preserved, emphasizing the need for balance, inclusion, and strategic governance.

1. Balance of Forces:
   • Oligarchies should ensure that their military forces are well-balanced, incorporating both cavalry, heavy-armed troops, and light-armed elements.
   • This prevents factional struggles and ensures that the ruling class can maintain control over the military forces.
2. Inclusion of the Multitude:
   • To preserve stability, oligarchies should consider including the multitude in governance, whether through wealth assessments, merit-based selection, or temporary abstention from labor.
   • This inclusion ensures that the people have a stake in the regime without undermining the oligarchic structure.
3. Public Service and Generosity:
   • The wealthier rulers should perform public services and engage in civic festivals, ensuring that the populace sees them as benevolent leaders.
   • Such practices help to build loyalty and prevent the rise of resentment or factionalism.

Summary of Key Points:

• Military Forces and Oligarchy: Different social classes align with different military forces, shaping the strength and structure of oligarchies. Cavalry and heavy-armed troops strengthen oligarchies, while light-armed and naval forces align with democratic elements.
• Strategies for Preservation: Oligarchies can preserve their power by balancing military forces, training younger citizens in military arts, and incorporating strategic elements from the light-armed forces.
• Inclusion of the Multitude: To avoid instability, oligarchies can incorporate broader participation from the multitude through wealth-based, merit-based, or temporary labor-abstention systems.
• Public Services and Memorials: Public services and civic displays of generosity by the wealthier rulers help to maintain support for the oligarchy, ensuring that the people feel a connection to the regime.
• Criticism of Modern Oligarchies: Aristotle criticizes contemporary oligarchies for being more focused on personal gain than on the preservation of the regime, leading to instability and factional conflict.

---

Video Explanation

Video Explanation Not Yet Available.