Definition Of Democracy By Aristotle

For aristotle democracy is not the best form of government.

Definition of democracy by aristotle. For aristotle democracy rests on the government of each by all and all for each in turn. When making his decision on virtuous or non virtuous aristotle says that a rule of the majority must be non virtuous in practice because it is too difficult to find a majority who can be virtuous. As is also true of oligarchy and monarchy rule in a democracy is for and by the people named in the government type. Though democracy is the most moderate deviant constitution and arises from polity.

Decisions are by majority but it is implied the power of the wealthy is entrenched in some way. Democracy is what aristotle describes as a deviant constitution this type of constitution is deviant because it is for the benefit of the poor but not for its common profit. Aristotle also cautioned against something he called extreme democracy as it can lead to demagogues. In which not the law but the multitude have the supreme power and supersede the law by their decrees.

However he warns against two excesses of democracy in particular. In a democracy rule is by and for the needy. Democracy means popular seizure of power by the poor and the oppression of the rich.