Opus 2024-026: Fantasy Philosophy

Philosophers are not known for being practical.  Here at the beginning of Ethics, Aristotle demonstrates that his heart is in the right place but I am not sure if he understands human beings.  Notice the standard

“Accordingly we may ask the student also to accept the various views we put forward in the same spirit; for it is the mark of an educated mind to expect that amount of exactness in each kind which the nature of the particular subject admits.”  p.5

In other words, use common sense, be a person of good will and be reasonable.  Think of how our political differences could be discussed if we could adopt those standards.  If we would drop the name calling, manipulating and deception we might be able to actually work some things out.

Maybe our political class would benefit from reading Aristotle.

Aristotle.  The Nicomachean Ethics, Translated by Harris Rackham.  England:  Wordsworth Classics of World Literature, 1996.

homo unius libri

Opus 2024-021: Targets

Aristotle starts off by laying the groundwork for ethics.  As I said before, he felt the most important subject to focus on was political science.  Then he tries to define what he means by “political science.”  He limits it to two areas,

    “The subjects studied by political science are moral nobility and justice;...”, page 4

The translator’s notes inform us that “moral nobility” has to do with objects and actions that are materially and morally correct.  I would think that tends to merge with the second target of “justice”.

You can see that Aristotle’s idea of what is involved in political science is vastly different than what we would think today, or at least it seems that way.  Perhaps as I continue to read this will be expanded.  

Aristotle.  The Nicomachean Ethics, Translated by Harris Rackham.  England:  Wordsworth Classics of World Literature, 1996.

homo unius libri

Opus 2024-011: An Adventure Begins

As I get older I become more aware of the gaps in my education.  Some of the bothers me not.  When I read of listen to someone who drops the names of current cultural icons, when I see of picture of someone who is supposedly famous and I have no clue, when books are mentioned that I have never heard of, I shrug my shoulders and get on with life.  I am philosophical about it.

There are others that I know I should have read but if I did it was more skimming for a class than reading to understand.  1984 would be a good example.  It is a book that I read since retiring and found I should have been on my fourth or fifth time through.

Currently I am begining a journey through Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics.  I am in no hurry.  I am curious to see why it is still in print.  That means taking my time and considering whether there is anything to ponder on after a bit of reading.

As I begin reading, I see that Aristotle is declaring what is the most important science.  He comes to the conclusion that it is political science or politics.  

“But such is manifestly the science of politics; for it is this that ordains which of the sciences are to exist in states, and what branches of knowledge the different classes of the citizens are to learn, and up to what point; and we observe that even the most highly esteemed the faculties, such as strategy, domestic economy, oratory, are subordinate to the political science.” pp. 3-4

While I would agree that the modern deep state elites are trying to use politics to dominate and control the country I don’t think they could be accused of using it for the greater good.

Christians would reject the idea totally.  For us the primary area of study should be theology.  In the middle ages, when the church was instrumental in establishing the university system, theology was considered the queen of the sciences.  How far it has fallen and how the definition of science has changed.

Aristotle.  The Nicomachean Ethics, Translated by Harris Rackham.  England:  Wordsworth Classics of World Literature, 1996.

homo unius libri

Opus 2017-231: Aristotle on American Culture

I can’t remember where I was reading when I came across some of Aristotle’s comments on tyranny but I was able to locate them in his work, “Politics”.  This spurred me to find it at Project Gutenberg, download it and read the entire book.  The quotes are from that source, Book 5, Chapter 11, Kindle location 2816-2827.

Aristotle looks forward to the day that the NSA will be recording everything we do in life. 

“...for they all contribute to support slavery; and to endeavour to know what every one who is under their power does and says; and for this purpose to employ spies:...there is the less chance of its being concealed;...”

Obviously they did not have the electronic intrusions we have today but the intent is clear. 

Another goal is the politics of class warfare, race baiting and division.

“...to endeavour that the whole community should mutually accuse and come to blows with each other, friend with friend, the commons with the nobles, and the rich with each other.”

We saw this practiced by President Obama who constantly made race an issue and stirred up racial hatred every chance he got.  We see it in the Progressives (Democrats) who are always talking about the rich paying their fair share and ignoring that the poor don’t pay any share.  The goal is jealousy and division.

It is important to keep people living hand to mouth. 

“It is also advantageous for a tyranny that all those who are under it should be oppressed with poverty, that they may not be able to compose a guard; and that, being employed in procuring their daily bread, they may have no leisure to conspire against their tyrants. The Pyramids of Egypt are a proof of this,...”

People who are so exhausted from working long hours don’t have time to go to demonstrations.  One of the common characteristics of the snowflakes in the street is that they don’t seem to have real jobs.  They have plenty of time to protest.

Then you need high taxes.

“It is necessary also to multiply taxes, as at Syracuse; where Dionysius in the space of five years collected all the private property of his subjects into his own coffers.”

The Progressives want the government to own everything.  They want you on their trains, at their hospitals and in their housing.  It is easier to control you that way.  Tyranny is a word that we need to understand and apply.  It is alive and well in American politics.

homo unius libri