Plato and Aristotle 145Aristotle’s general view of the role of law in society tended to
be based on a generally conservative view of man. He summed
up his view of human nature by saying, “Human nature is, on the
average, wicked, nearer to the beast than to the god.” Therefore,
his respect for the law is not simply based on its rational content,
but because it is a primary force in holding a society together.
And respect for the law requires that one understand that “the
habit of lightly changing laws is an evil; and when the advantage
of change is small, some defects in the law or in the ruler had
better be met with philosophical toleration.” Again, the realist,
not the idealist, has spoken.
His political philosophy is very similar to his moral philoso
phy; a moderate, realistic view of the world. The nature of man,
the theory of the family, the organic theory of the state, his view
of the middle class, the role of law, his view of the different
branches of government, his opinion on property— all have
importance for us today. His opinions about slavery and women
have few adherents in the world today, yet were consistent with
the views held in antiquity. On balance, the political philosophy
of Aristotle squares with his reputation as the philosopher of
common sense, a man of moderation.