The Aristotelian Criticism of the Liberal Foundations of Modern State
Journal Title: Polish Political Science Yearbook - Year 2016, Vol 45, Issue
Abstract
OVERVIEW *** SUBMISSION *** REVIEW POLICY *** EDITORS AND BOARDS *** CURRENT VOLUME *** ALL VOLUMES *** CONTACT Archive / Polish Political Science Yearbook 45 (2016) Author: Marcin Gajeka a Collegium Civitas in Warsaw (Poland) Title: The Aristotelian Criticism of the Liberal Foundations of Modern State Source: Polish Political Science Yearbook, volume 45 (2016), p. 272–287. DOI: 10.15804/ppsy2016021 Full paper: http://www.marszalek.com.pl/yearbook/docs/45/ppsy2016021.pdf Abstract: The paper discusses some fundamental differences between Aristotelian and modern conceptions of the state. It focuses its attention on the early liberal thinkers, such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, and contrasts the theory of state developed by them with the classical republican ideal described by Aristotle. As I will demonstrate main differences come down to (1) distinct ideas concerning the state’s origins (and especially human motivations behind establishing the state), (2) divergent convictions about the role of the state and its ethical dimension; and finally (3) different beliefs concerning basic feelings and passions which sustain existence of political community. I argue that on the basis of Stagirite’s philosophy it is possible to question whether civic association described by the precursors of liberal political thought is actually the state. In conclusion, I signalize the problem of serious limitations of contemporary liberal democracies (or even their internal contradictions) resulting from their attempt to follow an ideal of an ideologically neutral state.
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Marcin Gajek
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- EP ID EP179768
- DOI 10.15804/ppsy2016021
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