Book 5: Chapter 2, Aristocracies Summary and Analysis

Here the author focuses upon the more special challenges of aristocracies. Clearly, this discourse could make no headway if the philosopher did not accept aristocracy as a legitimate form of government. First, bear in mind the difference between a monarchy and an aristocracy. Monarchies can be or seem to be most vulnerable to tyranny but Aristotle has shown that being a monarchy is not as influential a factor as the political and economic climates are. The example to which Aristotle most often refers is Dionysius of Syracuse on the isle of Sicliy. His marriage only further fueled those forces which turned the oligarchic leader into a popular tyrant.

During these sections Aristotle begins to provide advice to prevent or to cure problems within an aristocracy. The number one factor of importance is that the culture supports the...