Chapter 17
I. The Importance of Early Childhood Sustenance and Physical Training
- The Role of Proper Sustenance in Physical Development (7.17.1):
- Aristotle emphasizes that the type of sustenance given to newborns has a significant impact on their physical strength and health. He suggests that the best sustenance is one rich in milk, as evidenced by observations of animal behavior and military cultures.
- Avoidance of Wine: Aristotle warns against giving children wine, as it can lead to disease and harm their developing bodies.
- Physical Movements for Infants (7.17.2):
- Physical movement is crucial for infants, even at a young age. Aristotle advocates for engaging children in movements suitable for their age to prevent the distortion of their limbs, which can occur due to the softness of their bodies.
- Use of Instruments to Support Physical Growth: Certain nations use instruments to help straighten children’s bodies and prevent deformities.
- Training in Cold Resistance (7.17.3):
- Aristotle highlights the importance of acclimating children to cold temperatures, as this strengthens their health and prepares them for military activities.
- Cultural Practices of Cold Exposure: Examples from barbarian cultures, such as the Celts, demonstrate the practice of plunging newborns into cold water or dressing them lightly to build resilience.
II. Early Childhood Development from Birth to Age Five
- Limited Learning and Exertion in Early Childhood (7.17.4):
- Up until the age of five, children should not be subjected to intense learning or physical exertion, as this could impede their growth. Instead, their physical activity should focus on playful movements that prevent bodily idleness.
- Play as Preparation for Future Learning (7.17.5):
- Play is essential for this age group, but it should not be illiberal or overly lax. Play should serve as a foundation for the skills and activities the children will later pursue in adulthood.
- Selection of Stories and Tales: The stories and tales children hear should be carefully curated to ensure they align with the virtues they will later cultivate. This responsibility falls to officials, known as “managers of children.”
III. The Benefits of Physical Exertion and Early Play
- The Role of Screaming and Crying in Growth (7.17.6):
- Aristotle argues against prohibiting children from screaming or crying, as these activities contribute to physical growth. He likens this to an exercise in holding breath, which strengthens the body, a process akin to physical exertion.
- Supervision of Play and Interaction with Slaves (7.17.7):
- Children's play should be carefully monitored, especially to limit their interaction with slaves. Aristotle stresses that children should not spend much time with slaves, as they may acquire "illiberality" from what they see and hear, which would negatively affect their development.
IV. The Role of Speech, Morality, and Exposure to Art
- The Banishment of Foul Speech from the City (7.17.8):
- Aristotle stresses the importance of eliminating foul speech from the city, particularly in the presence of the young. He believes that speaking of immoral things brings people closer to committing immoral acts, and this is especially harmful to children.
- Punishment for Foul Speech (7.17.9):
- Children or adults who engage in foul speech should be punished appropriately. Young offenders who have not yet reached the age of reclining at the table should be punished with dishonor and beatings, while older individuals should face penalties for acting slavishly.
- Banning Immoral Art and Stories (7.17.10):
- Along with speech, Aristotle advocates for banning unseemly paintings and stories from the public sphere, except in certain religious contexts. He stresses that officials should ensure no artworks or tales promoting immorality are displayed in public.
V. Exposure to Theater and the Development of Morality
- Banning Children from Lampoons and Comedy (7.17.11):
- Children should not be exposed to certain forms of entertainment, such as lampoons or comedy, until they are mature enough to understand and withstand the potential negative influence. Only after they reach the age of reclining at the table and drinking should they be permitted to participate in such forms of entertainment.
- The Harm of Early Exposure to Vice in Performances (7.17.12):
- Aristotle references the famous actor Theodorus, who claimed that first impressions have a lasting impact on audiences. Likewise, Aristotle argues that exposing children to immoral acts or performances at a young age can have a corrupting effect on their development.
- Prioritizing Virtuous First Encounters (7.17.13):
- Children are naturally inclined to be fond of what they first encounter, and for this reason, Aristotle emphasizes that their early exposure should be to virtuous people and activities, as this will shape their long-term character.
- Learning by Observation (7.17.14):
- After the age of five, children should begin observing the types of learning and activities they will eventually be required to participate in. This observational period prepares them for the formal education that will follow.
VI. The Stages of Education: From Childhood to Adulthood
- Distinguishing Educational Stages by Age (7.17.15):
- Aristotle outlines two major educational stages: the period from ages seven to puberty and the period from puberty to age twenty-one. While he acknowledges the validity of dividing ages into seven-year increments, he insists that education should be aligned with nature and the development of the child.
- Education Supplementing Nature: Aristotle emphasizes that education and training should address what is lacking in nature. Where natural development is insufficient, education steps in to cultivate necessary virtues and skills.
- Debating the Public vs. Private Supervision of Education (7.17.16):
- Aristotle raises the question of whether children’s education should be publicly or privately supervised. He notes that in many cities, education is left to private individuals, but he hints at the need for further discussion on whether this is advantageous.
- The Quality of Supervision in Education: The next consideration is the quality of supervision in education. Aristotle stresses the importance of establishing a structured system of supervision to ensure that children are educated according to the highest moral and intellectual standards.
Conclusion
In Politics 7, Chapter 17, Aristotle presents a detailed account of the principles guiding the early upbringing and education of children. He begins by discussing the physical care of children, including proper sustenance, exposure to physical exercise, and acclimatization to cold, all of which are critical for fostering a healthy body capable of military service. Aristotle also delves into the importance of carefully curated play, stories, and early education that are aligned with virtue and designed to prepare children for their future roles as citizens.
Aristotle is particularly concerned with the moral influence of speech, art, and theater on young minds. He argues that children must be protected from exposure to immoral stories, foul speech, and inappropriate performances until they are mature enough to handle them. His recommendations highlight the critical role of early moral education and the need to foster a love for virtuous activities through first impressions.
Finally, Aristotle underscores the importance of education in supplementing nature, dividing the educational process into stages that align with the child’s development. He raises essential questions about the public versus private supervision of education and stresses the need for structured oversight to ensure children are reared according to the highest moral and intellectual standards.
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