Aristotle's View Of The State What Does Prior To The Individual Mean

Aristotle's assertion that the state is "prior to the individual" is a cornerstone of his political philosophy, yet it's a statement often misunderstood in contemporary individualistic societies. To truly grasp Aristotle's meaning, we must delve into his understanding of human nature, the purpose of the state, and the relationship between the individual and the community. This article will explore the nuances of Aristotle's statement, contrasting it with modern interpretations and highlighting its enduring relevance to political thought.

Understanding Aristotle's Concept of the State

To understand Aristotle's assertion, we must first clarify what he meant by "state" (polis). For Aristotle, the polis was not merely a political structure or a set of institutions. It was, instead, a community aimed at achieving the highest good for its citizens – eudaimonia, often translated as flourishing or living well. This flourishing encompassed not only material well-being but also moral and intellectual development. The polis, therefore, was a moral enterprise, a partnership designed to cultivate virtue and enable individuals to reach their full potential as human beings.

This understanding of the state contrasts sharply with modern liberal conceptions, which often prioritize individual rights and freedoms, viewing the state as a neutral arbiter between competing interests. For Aristotle, the state had a formative role, actively shaping the character of its citizens through education, laws, and the promotion of civic virtue. The state wasn't simply a means to an end (individual well-being); it was an end in itself, a crucial component of the good life.

Aristotle believed that humans are by nature political animals (zoon politikon), meaning that we are naturally inclined to live in communities. This inclination stems from our capacity for reason and speech, which allows us to deliberate about justice, the common good, and the best way to organize our lives together. Unlike other animals that may live in groups for survival, humans have the unique ability to create political communities based on shared values and a common vision of the good life. This capacity for political association is not merely accidental; it is essential to our nature as human beings. Living in a polis is not just a matter of convenience; it's a necessary condition for achieving our full potential.

Aristotle argued that the polis is prior to the individual in two important senses: temporal and logical/functional. Temporally, the polis comes first in the sense that it is a self-sufficient entity, capable of providing for the needs of its members. Individuals, on the other hand, are not self-sufficient; they depend on the polis for their survival, security, and well-being. Logically and functionally, the polis is prior because it is the telos, or end, toward which human nature strives. The polis is the arena in which humans can fully realize their potential for virtue and happiness. Just as the acorn strives to become an oak tree, humans strive to live in a well-ordered political community.

The Individual and the Community in Aristotle's Thought

When Aristotle states that the state is prior to the individual, he is not suggesting that the individual is insignificant or that individual rights should be trampled upon. Rather, he is emphasizing the fundamental importance of the community for individual flourishing. He believed that human beings are inherently social creatures, and that our identities and capabilities are shaped by our relationships with others. We learn language, develop moral character, and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for a good life through our interactions within the community. Therefore, the individual cannot be understood in isolation from the polis.

Aristotle uses the analogy of the hand to illustrate this point. Just as a hand severed from the body is no longer a hand in the true sense, an individual separated from the polis is no longer a fully human being. The individual's identity and purpose are inextricably linked to the community to which they belong. This does not mean that individuals should be forced to conform to the will of the state, but rather that individual well-being is best achieved within a well-ordered and virtuous political community.

Aristotle recognized the importance of individual virtue and its contribution to the overall health of the polis. He believed that a good state is one in which citizens are virtuous and actively participate in public life. This participation involves not only obeying the laws but also deliberating about justice, contributing to the common good, and holding political office. Apathy and disengagement from public life, on the other hand, can lead to the decline of the state and the corruption of its citizens. Therefore, the individual's role in the polis is not merely to be a passive recipient of its benefits but also to be an active participant in its governance.

Aristotle's emphasis on the importance of community should not be mistaken for collectivism or totalitarianism. He was a strong advocate for the rule of law and believed that the state should be governed by reason and justice, not by the arbitrary will of a ruler. He also recognized the importance of individual property rights and economic activity. However, he believed that these individual pursuits should be balanced with a concern for the common good. The polis should strive to create a society in which all citizens have the opportunity to flourish, both materially and morally.

Contrasting Aristotle with Modern Individualism

Aristotle's view of the relationship between the individual and the state stands in stark contrast to modern individualistic ideologies, which tend to prioritize individual rights and freedoms over the needs of the community. Liberal thinkers, such as John Locke, have argued that individuals possess natural rights that precede the state, and that the state's legitimacy depends on its protection of these rights. This individualistic perspective emphasizes the autonomy of the individual and limits the scope of state power.

Modern liberalism often views the state as a neutral referee, whose primary role is to protect individual rights and resolve conflicts between competing interests. The state should not attempt to impose a particular vision of the good life on its citizens, but rather should allow individuals to pursue their own goals and values, as long as they do not harm others. This emphasis on individual autonomy and pluralism has led to the development of liberal democracies, which are characterized by constitutional government, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights.

While modern individualism has many merits, it can also lead to a neglect of the common good and a weakening of social bonds. When individuals are overly focused on their own self-interest, they may be less likely to participate in public life, contribute to their communities, or support policies that benefit society as a whole. This can result in a decline in civic virtue, social cohesion, and the overall quality of life.

Aristotle's emphasis on the importance of community provides a valuable counterpoint to modern individualism. He reminds us that human beings are social creatures, and that our well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of the community to which we belong. A healthy society is one in which individuals are both free to pursue their own goals and values and also committed to the common good. This requires a balance between individual rights and responsibilities, and a recognition that individual flourishing is best achieved within a thriving community.

Implications and Modern Relevance

Aristotle's concept of the state as prior to the individual has profound implications for contemporary political thought. It challenges us to reconsider the relationship between individual rights and the common good, and to think more deeply about the role of the state in shaping the character of its citizens. In an age of increasing individualism and social fragmentation, Aristotle's insights are particularly relevant.

One key implication of Aristotle's view is that education should not be solely focused on vocational training or the acquisition of technical skills. It should also aim to cultivate civic virtue and moral character. Citizens need to be educated in the principles of justice, the importance of the rule of law, and the value of public service. This type of education is essential for maintaining a healthy and well-functioning polis.

Another implication is that the state has a legitimate role to play in promoting social cohesion and addressing inequalities. While Aristotle recognized the importance of individual property rights, he also believed that the state should strive to create a society in which all citizens have the opportunity to flourish. This may involve implementing policies that redistribute wealth, provide access to education and healthcare, and promote social mobility.

Aristotle's emphasis on the importance of civic participation also has implications for modern democracy. He believed that citizens should actively participate in public life, deliberating about justice, contributing to the common good, and holding political office. This requires a commitment to civic engagement, a willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints, and a capacity for reasoned debate. In an age of political polarization and declining civic engagement, Aristotle's call for active citizenship is more important than ever.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when Aristotle asserted that the state is prior to the individual, he was not advocating for the subjugation of individual rights. Instead, he was highlighting the fundamental importance of the political community for human flourishing. He believed that human beings are inherently social creatures, and that our identities and capabilities are shaped by our relationships with others. The polis, for Aristotle, is the arena in which humans can fully realize their potential for virtue and happiness. While modern individualistic societies may prioritize individual rights and freedoms, Aristotle's insights remind us of the crucial role that community plays in individual well-being. By understanding Aristotle's perspective, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complex relationship between the individual and the state, and strive to create societies that foster both individual flourishing and the common good.