Transcript Aristotle’s POLITICS: Book VIII Basic Ideas & Analysis

Aristotle’s POLITICS: Book VIII
Basic Ideas & Analysis -- Chapter 1
The legislator's primary concern should be
the education of the young.
Education must be public and in common,
because there is a single end for the city
as a whole.
Citizens do not belong to themselves, but
rather all belong to the city
Aristotle’s POLITICS: Book VIII – Ch 3
The four customary areas of education are
letters, gymnastics, music and drawing.
 While music is not necessary, it is
important because it is with a view to
spending leisure time well.
Aristotle’s POLITICS: Book VIII – Ch 3
Some of the useful areas of learning
should also be sought not only with a view
to utility, but with a view to enable the
student to reach higher levels of learning.
Seeking utility above all is not fitting for
those who are magnanimous and free.
Aristotle’s POLITICS: Book VIII – Ch 3/4
Since education through habits must
precede education through reason and
education of the body must precede
education of the mind, gymnastics must be
the first thing taught to children.
Chapter 4: [Yet] Gymnastics needs to be
pursued moderately, so that it not take
precedence over the other subjects, which
train the mind.
Aristotle’s POLITICS: Book VIII – Ch 5
Music is for the sake of education, play and
pastime.
Play is for the sake of rest, which should
be pleasant, & music is one of the most
pleasant things.
But some human beings have made play
their ultimate end, because the end does in
fact involve pleasure.
Aristotle’s POLITICS: Book VIII – Ch 5/6
Music itself is good for education
because the harmonious blend of sounds
leads the soul to balance the passions
harmoniously in accordance with reason.
Chapter 6: Children should actively
participate in the making of music
themselves through singing or playing
instruments, because it provides them with a
noble pastime and keeps them out of trouble.
 "Education is a rattle for the young."
Analysis: Aristotle’s POLITICS
Education is the best means of preserving a
regime and should be the legislator's
greatest concern.
The value that Aristotle places on education
is rooted in his emphasis on the goal of the
city as living well.
 Since the raison d'être of the city is to help its
citizens live the good life, teaching citizens to be
virtuous is of primary importance.
 Furthermore, having well-educated and virtuous
citizens will also help the city as a whole to be
better.
Analysis: Aristotle’s POLITICS
A proper education in virtue requires
habituation and proper intellectual
formation.
Education is not just an intellectual matter,
but is the education of the soul in virtue,
only part of which is intellectual.
Analysis: Aristotle’s POLITICS
Before children are ready for intellectual
training, however, they must learn virtues
of self-discipline through gymnastics,
And must acquire a taste for harmony
in music so that they will be inclined to
seek the harmony of their souls
through a proper balance in which the
appetites are subordinated to the rule
of reason.
Aristotle on the Value of Music
The three benefits of music:
Education [ch 5]
Purgation [Poetics]
Relaxation [ch 3]