“ Oligarchy is based on the notion that those who are unequal in one respect are in all respects unequal ”
Aristotle, Politics (4th century BC). copy citation
Author | Aristotle |
---|---|
Source | Politics |
Topic | respect oligarchy |
Date | 4th century BC |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | Translated by Benjamin Jowett |
Weblink | http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/politics.html |
Context
“In the first place we must assume as our starting-point that in the many forms of government which have sprung up there has always been an acknowledgment of justice and proportionate equality, although mankind fail attaining them, as I have already explained. Democracy, for example, arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal. Oligarchy is based on the notion that those who are unequal in one respect are in all respects unequal; being unequal, that is, in property, they suppose themselves to be unequal absolutely. The democrats think that as they are equal they ought to be equal in all things; while the oligarchs, under the idea that they are unequal, claim too much, which is one form of inequality.”
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