Chapter 12
I. Organization of Common Messes and Guardhouses
- A. Common Messes in the City’s Defense System
- Aristotle begins by stating that the citizens should be distributed into common messes (public meals or communal dining). These common messes play a crucial role in both the military and civic organization of the city.
- He suggests that the city’s walls should be equipped with guardhouses and towers at regular intervals for defense. These guardhouses can serve a dual function—not only acting as military defense points but also housing some of the common messes. This proposal ensures that the defense and communal aspects of city life are integrated, strengthening the unity of the citizen-soldiers and their involvement in the city’s protection.
- B. Proper Location of Sacred Buildings and Authoritative Boards
- The buildings associated with divine worship and the common messes for the city’s most authoritative officials should be located together in a proper place. This central location ensures that these important institutions are symbolically and practically integrated into the city’s life.
- Some temples may need to be separate from this central location due to legal or prophetic requirements, such as those of the Delphic oracle. This reflects the importance of following religious prescriptions when planning the layout of the city.
II. The Ideal Civic Layout and Division of Spaces
- A. Elevated Location for Sacred and Administrative Buildings
- The sacred and administrative buildings should occupy an elevated position in the city, allowing their virtue and importance to be clearly visible to all citizens. This also gives these institutions a fortified advantage, making them more secure in case of an attack.
- By placing these structures in a prominent position, Aristotle emphasizes the connection between the city’s moral values (as represented by the temples) and its governance (as represented by the official boards).
- B. The “Free” Market for Citizens
- Below the elevated position of the sacred and official buildings, Aristotle proposes the establishment of a special market similar to the one in Thessaly, which is called the “free” market. This market is reserved for leisure activities and citizen gatherings. It is not a place for trade or commercial activities.
- Workers, farmers, and merchants are not allowed to enter the market unless summoned by officials. This distinction reflects Aristotle’s belief in the separation of necessary activities (like commerce) from leisure and civic duties, which should be reserved for free citizens.
- Aristotle also suggests that this market could serve as a place for physical exercise, particularly for older citizens.
- C. The Role of Officials in Public Life
- Aristotle proposes that the officials of the city should spend time with younger men in these communal spaces, while older men interact with the officials. This arrangement fosters a sense of civic duty, as the presence of officials encourages citizens to develop a sense of shame and respect for authority. The interactions between citizens and officials help promote a moral order that reinforces the values of a free society.
III. Market for Necessary Goods and Military Supplies
- A. Separation of Necessary Markets from Leisure Markets
- Aristotle distinguishes between the “free” market, which is meant for leisure and civic gatherings, and a separate market designated for necessary goods. This second market is intended for the exchange of goods needed for daily life, such as food and supplies, and for military equipment.
- The market for necessary goods should be located in a convenient place for goods arriving from both the sea and the countryside. This ensures the smooth flow of essential resources into the city.
IV. Organization of Common Messes for Different Groups
- A. Common Messes for Priests and Officials
- The multitude of citizens is divided into several key groups, such as priests, officials, and soldiers. Aristotle notes that just as the officials have their common messes near sacred buildings, there should also be common messes for priests close to temples. This proximity allows priests to perform their duties more efficiently and maintain a close relationship with their religious duties.
- B. Location of Administrative Officials
- Administrative officials who oversee legal matters, such as contracts, indictments, and summonses, should be stationed near the market or other accessible meeting places. This ensures that they can effectively manage the daily affairs of the city and be available to the citizens for legal disputes and market regulation.
- Aristotle further distinguishes between two kinds of markets:
- The upper market is associated with leisure and more elevated civic activities.
- The necessary market is where daily commercial activities take place.
V. Extending the Civic Layout to the Countryside
- A. Guardhouses and Temples in the Countryside
- The organization of the countryside should mirror the organization of the city, with similar arrangements for guardhouses and common messes for officials. These officials are responsible for overseeing the rural areas, such as the “foresters” or “field managers”.
- Just as the city has temples, the countryside should have temples dedicated to both gods and heroes, ensuring that the religious life of the city is extended into rural areas. This provides a spiritual and civic framework for the entire territory.
VI. The Challenge of Implementing the Ideal Civic Layout
- A. The Difficulty of Implementation
- Aristotle acknowledges that while it is easy to theorize and plan the ideal layout of a city, it is far more difficult to implement these ideas in practice. Achieving the ideal city layout requires a combination of chance and prayer because many of the practical realities of city planning are beyond human control.
- B. The Role of Chance in Achieving the Ideal City
- Aristotle emphasizes that many aspects of creating an ideal city rely on chance rather than human effort alone. This reflects the idea that while one can propose and plan the most effective layout, actually achieving it requires a degree of fortune and favorable circumstances.
Summary of Major Themes
- Civic Organization and Public Spaces: Aristotle advocates for a city layout where sacred buildings, official boards, and common messes are positioned in a way that reflects both civic and military needs. The city's public spaces should foster a sense of order, virtue, and security.
- Separation of Leisure and Necessary Markets: Aristotle draws a clear distinction between the leisure-focused “free” market, reserved for citizens, and the necessary market, where trade and essential goods are exchanged. This separation reflects the importance of maintaining distinct spaces for different aspects of public life.
- Military and Religious Integration: The integration of guardhouses, common messes, and temples throughout both the city and countryside ensures that the entire territory is connected through a unified civic, military, and religious framework. This enhances both defense and spiritual life.
- Moral and Civic Education: Aristotle emphasizes the importance of officials interacting with younger men to foster a sense of civic responsibility. This encourages a culture of shame and respect for authority, which he sees as essential for maintaining moral order in a free society.
- Challenges of Practical Implementation: While Aristotle presents a clear vision of the ideal city layout, he recognizes the practical difficulties in achieving this vision. The realization of such a city depends not only on human effort but also on chance and circumstance.
In conclusion, Aristotle’s vision for the city in Politics Book 7, Chapter 12 is one that balances civic order, religious life, and military preparedness. He advocates for thoughtful urban planning that takes into account the needs of citizens, officials, and soldiers, while also acknowledging the challenges of turning this vision into reality.
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