Man by nature is a political animal – Aristotle

According to Aristotle humans are different from animals because they are social as well as political animals. In the given statement there are two components, one is “by nature” which connotes something that is innate and the other one is “political animal” which means the animals who live together in a setting. The entire statement thereby implies that it is the inherent nature of humans to live together and form deliberative and governing bodies that seek to betterment of all those involved- that man is naturally sociable and that they are naturally drawn to various political associations in order to satisfy their social needs. And this process is possible only because humans have the power of speech and moral reasoning.

Example

To elaborate, since we see that every city-state is a sort of community and that every community is established for the sake of some good (for everyone does everything for the sake of what they believe to be good), it is clear that every community aims at some good, and the community which has the most authority of all and includes all the others aims highest, that is, at the good with the most authority. This is what is called the city-state or political community.

Aristotle’s opinion

Aristotle opines that state enjoys highest rank or position in the society or social structure. State is characterized by natural growth. But, during its different stages of progress, man-made laws and conventions have intervened. But these have benefited man and facilitated functioning of state. The fact that government, tribes, monarchs, other groups, etc which are one or other form of state do exist, are proof that humans operate politically. It has helped state to ensure peace and prosperity for the people associated with it. Together what humans have achieved today would have been impossible to achieve. Be it technological advancements, prosperous and peaceful societies to the development of shared human values of compassion, love, respect, sympathy, tolerance among others. But the same political nature which has brought humans together has also divided them.

Fragmentation of society

Rise of nation states has led to fragmentation of society as well as forced agglomeration of social groups and rendered many as unwanted population. It has uprooted many from their culture and customs and forced them to accept diktat of a state they don’t associate with. It has led to problems of war, secession, insurgency, terrorism and refugees. Globally under the ruse of protecting one’s own country, the very groups formed on the premise of good for the society, propagate violence.

Conclusion

It is up to the governments and other groupings to bring the humans closer and make a just society where everyone understands and accepts universal human values of peace, love, compassion towards others. With time society changes for the better and politics also changes with the society to achieve the betterment of humans as a whole.

GS PAPER IV Ethics UPSC Mains Question

“Man by nature is a political animal”. Explain with reference to Aristotle’s idea of the state in life of the society.

Approach :

• Bring out the different connotation of the statement given.
• Elaborate on why Aristotle regarded human beings as naturally political.
• Discuss the role of state in the society in the context of man as political animal.
• Conclude.

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