Aristotle’s Theory of Revolution. Explained.
Aristotle was a political philosopher who was constantly occupied with the idea of political stability. For him, stability should be the sole aim of any constitution. This led Aristotle make a masterly analysis of contemporary political evils and contemplate the causes and remedies of revolutions.
Aristotle’s theory of revolution is divided into two parts:
- First part is a practical manual of conduct advising democrats, aristocrats, monarchs and oligarchs and even tyrants as how to keep themselves in power.
- Second part is a treatise on the philosophical basis of the good and stable governments.
ARISTOTLE’S UNDERSTANDING OF REVOLUTION
To Aristotle, if any change occurs in the existing system or constitution of the state, it means revolution. For example, if in the state the constitution has changed from monarchy to democracy, it is a revolution. Aristotle was of the view that if the constitution remains the same, but the ruling party has been transferred from one man to another, it is also a revolution.
According to Aristotle, there are two categories of causes of revolution viz., general and particular.
General Causes of Revolution
- The main cause of all revolutions is the desire of the many for equality, and the desire of the minority for effective superiority.
- Strong desire for justice becomes another feature of revolution. Aristotle was of the view that men turn to revolution when they think they have not got their dues.
- Concentration of power creates arrogance in one group and resentment on the part of others and is bound to produce instability and perpetual dissention. This leads to revolution.
Particular Causes of Revolution
- Desire for profit, honour, or avoidance of loss or dishonour
- Jealousy of those who have wealth and honour and official arrogance.
- Failure of the middle class to maintain a balance.
- Race antagonisms, antagonism of localities, etc.
- The possession of sovereign power by an individual or group creating fear of the law or of its abuse.
- Disproportionate increase of power and wealth in any part of the state, and too much power concentrated in one man or class of men for political gains.
- Favouritism shown to individuals and moral degradation in the selection of people to offices.
- Dynastic quarrels, conflicts and personal rivalries.
- Free immigration of outside races with different notions of justice and law.
REVOLUTION IN DIFFERENT KINDS OF STATES
Democracy
In democracies, revolutions are mainly due to demagogic attacks on wealth, leading the wealthy to combine against the popular government. This results in the establishment of an oligarchy or tyranny, a ‘popular’ military chief seizing the power for himself; or, sometimes in replacing a moderate by an extreme democracy.
Oligarchy
In oligarchies, revolutions arise due to oppressive conduct of the oligarchy or rivalry among oligarchs. This makes them play the role of demagogue.
Aristocracy
In aristocracies, revolutions arise from the jealousy of those excluded from power, personal ambitions, and great inequality of wealth.
In all constitutional governments, the main cause of revolution is the incomplete fusion of wealth, numbers, and merit. William A. Dunning has observed that “Stability can be maintained only by proportionate equality and by giving to each his own.”
REMEDIES FOR REVOLUTION
Aristotle has made a number of practical suggestions concerning the methods by which various forms of government may be successfully maintained and revolution prevented.
- Abundant political power should not be concentrated in the hands of one man or one class of men.
- There should not be any discrimination on grounds of colour and creed, and should be treated alike and with proper consideration.
- Honours and rewards should be distributed as fairly as possible because inequalities of offices and honours drive men to revolt.
- Political offices should be within reach of every individual who is able of performing his functions best.
- The Government should be so vigilantly organized and political office-holders should not be allowed to indulge in bribery and other kinds of illegal gratification.
- Public finances should be open to public scrutiny.
- Proper education should be imparted to the citizens to inculcate a sense of loyalty and allegiance to the constitution.
- Proportionate equality should be maintained.
- The habit of obedience and submission to law should be instilled. Lawlessness and anarchy should not be allowed in any manner whatsoever.
Aristotle was so much concerned with political stability that he suggested methods for making even tyrannies stable government.
- A tyrant must employ spies particularly females to find out disloyal persons and unruly elements.
- He should follow an aggressive policy abroad. He should divert the attention of his subjects from internal maladministration and injustice through successfully waged foreign wars.
- He should always warn people about constant fear of invasion from outside.
- He should keep patriotism and nationalism of the people on the higher pitch.
- He should keep the people busy and never allow them to remain lazy. He should sow quarrels among the various classes of his subjects.
- He must extend enthusiasm in religion.
- He should perish the intellectual life of the citizens to prevent revolutionary tendencies.
However, Aristotle said that neither tyrannies nor oligarchies have proved long-lived.
CONCLUSION
Aristotle put the security and stability of the state above everything else. He even permitted interference in the privacy of individuals’ life when necessary in the interest of the state. According to Aristotle, “A revolution constitutes more than political and legal change. It had the effect of reversing ethical, social and economic standard.” Being concerned more with the virtue of stability and the vices of its absence, he was not in favour of revolution.
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