Aristotle, the father of Political Science, discussed his political theory in his famous work Politics. According to him, “man is by nature a social animal” and cannot live in isolation. Human association develops gradually: individuals form families, families form villages, and villages collectively form a city-state (polis). To maintain peace, order, and justice, the city-state requires laws, and for their implementation, a government headed by a ruler chosen by the people to manage political, legal, and economic affairs.
Aristotle studied 158 constitutions of Greek city-states and classified governments into six types, known as his Classification of States:
According to Aristotle, Monarchy initially serves public welfare but degenerates into Tyranny when the ruler pursues personal interests. Aristocracy, when aimed at common good, is ideal, but when corrupted by the rich ruling for themselves, it becomes Oligarchy. Polity, a mixed form involving both rich and poor, works for common interest; however, when the poor rule solely for their own benefit, it degenerates into Democracy.
Aristotle regarded Polity as the best practicable form of government, especially when dominated by the middle class. He argued that the rich tend to establish oligarchy for self-interest, while the poor incline toward democracy. The middle class, being moderate, promotes equality, rule of law, stability, and justice, as it neither exploits the masses nor seeks to dominate the wealthy.
Theory of Justice: Aristotle explains justice in his book Nicomachean Ethics. He says justice is the most important virtue because it keeps society peaceful and stable. Justice means giving everyone what they deserve and treating people fairly.
Types of Justice: There are two types of justice.
- Universal Justice: Universal justice means following the laws of the state. A good and just citizen obeys the law because laws are made for the benefit of all people.
- Particular Justice: Particular justice deals with fairness between individuals. It has two parts:
- Distributive Justice: It means the fair distribution of wealth, offices, and rewards by the state. Distribution should be based on merit and ability, not strict equality.
- Corrective Justice: It applies when someone harms another person. The state or court corrects the wrong by punishing the offender and helping the victim, so fairness is restored.