Aristotle (c. 384-322 BCE), in his influential text, The Politics, wrote about different types of governments and state constitutions, as well as what he deemed to be beneficial or destructive to each model. In his arguments, Aristotle referred to examples from history, citing different kinds of Greek city-state constitutions. He even commented on the ways of foreign governments, such as the great North African realm of Carthage. Aristotle was impressed by several aspects of the Carthaginian government and society. For one, he admired Carthage’s social initiatives for the poor and destitute. The philosopher was impressed by reports about Carthaginian programs in which impoverished people were provided with land, as well as job assistance. On this, Aristotle wrote, “It has been by running their constitution on some such lines that the Carthaginians have secured the goodwill of their people. From time to time they send some of them to live in the outlying districts and turn them into men of substance” (Aristotle, The Politics, Bekker page 1320a). Aristotle would remember this program when he decided to write about what causes stability and instability in societies.
Democracies were one of the many government types that Aristotle discussed in The Politics. In his assessment, key components for a stable democracy entailed a healthy economy, fair taxes, ethical use of law and order, and for the democratic constitution and government to have public support. In regard to a prospering economy and public support, Aristotle viewed Carthaginian-style social programs as a boon for public opinion and popular good will. Therefore, in a chapter of his text that envisioned an ideal, stable democracy, Aristotle made sure to note that his ideal democratic state would have social programs for the poor. Aristotle wrote:
“For the duty of the true democrat is to see that the population is not destitute; for destitution is a cause of a corrupt democracy. Every effort therefore must be made to perpetuate prosperity. And, since that is to the advantage of the rich as well as the poor, all that accrues from the revenues should be collected into a single fund and distributed in block grants to those in need. If possible in lump sums large enough for the acquisition of a small piece of land, but if not, enough to start a business, or work in agriculture” (Aristotle, The Politics, Bekker page 1320a).
Such was Aristotle’s appreciation of the Carthaginian program. At the most cynical level, the plan would placate the poor and cultivate good will for the government. Economically, the scheme could reduce poverty and potentially lead to more economic and industrial prosperity. All in all, Aristotle was in favor of Carthaginian social programs.
Written by C. Keith Hansley
Picture Attribution: (Sarcophagus with a Greek Physician, made in Ostia, Rome, c. 4th century, [Public Domain] via Creative Commons and the MET).
Source:
- The Politics by Aristotle, translated by T. A. Sinclair and revised by T. J. Saunders. London: Penguin Classics, 1962, 1992.
