Q .4. ‘Aristotle is a status quoist’. In the light of this statement, examine Aristotle's view on revolution
Answer:
In the history of Western political tradition, both Plato and Aristotle enjoy a pre-eminent position as the great Masters. while Plato was an idealist and a radical, Aristotle is a realist and a moderate. Aristotle has been regarded as the father of Political Science as he was the first to analyse, critically and systematically, the subject matter of politics and identified its core elements such as Sovereignty of law, constitutionalism, faith in moderation, proportionate equality, and causes and remedies of revolution.
As instability and transformation has been the most characteristic feature of Greek Political life, Aristotle has examined the cause for instability, change and revolution, and prescribed remedies against unnecessary and incessant change. For Aristotle, Revolution meant any change in the political system such as change from a moderate to an extreme form of government, modification of a constitution, replacement or change in institution or a set of a person etc. In other words, for Aristotle, every constitutional change was a social and political revolution.
Unlike Plato, Aristotle perceived multiple, general and particular causes for revolution, rather than simply regime’s prominent deficiency. Among the general causes, feeling of inequality, dissatisfaction with the existing state of affairs, universal passion for power and privileges, fearlessness and corruption of ruling classes and their arrogance are the prominent causes for revolution in all form of government.
In addition, Aristotle also examine the specific causes of revolution in various form of government. In democracy revolutions are usually caused by the policy of demagogues in attacking the rich, individually or collectively. In oligarchies, they are partly due to the unjust and oppressive treatment of the masses and class. Revolution in aristocracy arise because of the jealousy created by narrowly restricting power and privileges to a small circle of people.
Aristotle’s discussion of the means of preventing revolution and achieving stability is as important as his analysis of the causes. He has made a number of practical suggestions concerning the methods by which political system may be successfully maintained and revolution prevented. The most prominent suggestions include moderate exercise of power, prevent feeling of injustice, educate the people, cultivate the spirit of obedience to law, clean administration, inculcate Patriotism etc.
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