The Role of the Politician as Thought by Aristotle and How It is Applied Today in the United States of America
Before I begin my essay on Aristotle’s views on the role of politics and how it is relevant today, I will explain why I felt the need to choose this topic. Before I learned about Aristotle and his life, I had many opinions about myself. One of the biggest things I’ve looked at over the years is the government of the United States of America. After we have learned about Aristotle’s opinions about the republic and about the republic itself, I conclude that he is good about many ideas, and that our government is no longer what we wanted to be as a country. It no longer stands for all that the Declaration of Independence talks about; All men are created equal, and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Aristotle believed that he was a wise man, a philosopher, a man of virtue and utility. In this essay I will discuss his views on politics and how it can be applied to our government in this day and age.
Aristotle believed that “the state is for the good life” (Allan 142). The state is what we now want to call the government. Now what he says about the state can be explained in this word, “For while it is enough to procure and preserve good for man, it is better and more divine for people and states to acquire and preserve it.” (Aristotle 526). To understand this more simply, it expresses that the politician is therefore not only responsible for his soul and his needs, but also responsible for the souls and needs of all people. Politicians are not in elected office to make life better for a select group, but rather politicians who are there to represent the people as a whole and make the best decisions for the largest number of people that they can. I believe this perspective is the absolute truth about the way a politician should act in office.
Aristotle also believed that the ideal state or political community should be constituted by equal citizens. That is, he thought that regardless of the economic status of each person, their opinion, or even their color, that everyone has the ability to rule and govern, so that no order or group is superior. the rest But harmony between groups and everyone would have the same opportunities for education and happiness (Veatch 119-120). Unfortunately, the way the United States Government is set up, it is hardly possible for a poor or middle class citizen to any political state can be elected, especially those who are in the federal ranks. .
In today’s society, I believe Aristotle would be against the United States government. I believe there is no sense of utility in this country anymore. Today, more than ever, politicians are corrupt. lobbyists are paid to vote for one or the other, not to propose their decisions, which will be the greatest good of the population. Most politicians are nothing more than highly valued dancing puppets. They will always suffer way once the group has contributed enough money to their campaign. Politicians do this and only consult what is best for them.
These statements may also seem un-American or stereotypical, but this can easily be seen when looking at the economy in the United States. Today, 80% of the wealth in the United States is controlled by 20% of the population (Professor Bergon). This means that the gap between the middle class and the upper is widening. This also means much lower living standards for 80% of people in this country. Today, more than 35.9 million citizens are living in poverty (Census III). We could provide enough food in this country to feed all the hungry people and create homes and jobs for them, but the problem is either overlooked or ignored by the rich politicians who run our country. nothing was done to help them. Aren’t I a man like you or I, and don’t they deserve the same opportunities?
In many other countries around the world, health care is provided by the government. Not in eros. Instead, it is left to the owners or individuals. In 2003, 40 million Americans or 15.6% of our population were without health insurance (Census 5).
I can hear the voice of Aristotle saying “To know and not to do is to not know at all” (Aristotle). In this great country of ours, should we just sit back and complain about things being done, or should we rather be taking action and correcting the wrongs done by politicians who are supposed to be doing the best for the greatest number of people? If we choose to sit back and do nothing about these things, we have learned nothing from Aristotle. Moreover, all that our ancestors strived for, we labor in vain, we are as much in fault as in those who govern us. It is not enough to have knowledge; We must act and change this country for the better! Only as a group of united, caring, morally just citizens can we make a difference.
How is the difference? The first step is to get out and vote. There are enough people who would not vote in the next election, that if everyone thought a citizen capable of running for president and useful, he could be elected. Many are silent who are hurt the most and feel they cannot make a difference. This is one major reason why things are only getting worse in this country. Second, help someone from yourself. If they all helped one person only to get on his feet and give him a chance, and then for another; We could eliminate homelessness and poverty. This would be a great example of the good doctrine taught in philosophy. To explain this simply means that when someone feels good about themselves or if someone helps them, they are more likely to act well and generously towards others.
If you have learned nothing else from this lesson a, just remember the following; “No man is an island. No one can stand alone.” Only as people or the united states of the people or the state can be united, as our ancestors make a difference and this country they change for the better Our enemy this time is not the English king, but the people we elect to rule our society and change it for the better. Rather, most politicians have made the unconscionable choice of looking out for themselves and other select groups, for a better life for the majority of the people.
