Oligarchy

Definition

An oligarchy is a form of government in which power rests in the hands of a small group of people, typically distinguished by wealth, family ties, corporate interests, or military control. This concentration of power often leads to decisions that favor the interests of the elite over the general population. Aristotle analyzed oligarchy as one of the corrupt forms of government, which deviates from the ideal political structures that prioritize the common good.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In an oligarchy, the ruling elite often make decisions that benefit themselves rather than the populace, leading to widespread inequality.
2. Aristotle considered oligarchy to be a perversion of aristocracy, where governance shifts from being for the common good to serving narrow interests.
3. Oligarchies can arise from various societal structures, including wealth accumulation, military conquest, or social status.
4. Historical examples of oligarchies include the Venetian Republic and modern-day Russia, where a small number of individuals exert significant control over political decisions.
5. Aristotle identified oligarchies as unstable forms of governance, often leading to conflict and eventual transitions to democracy or tyranny.

Review Questions

• How does Aristotle's view on oligarchy differ from his perception of aristocracy?
  • Aristotle viewed oligarchy as a corrupt form of governance that prioritizes the interests of a few wealthy individuals over the common good. In contrast, he saw aristocracy as rule by the best qualified individuals, who govern with the intent of benefiting society as a whole. The key difference lies in the motivation behind their governance; oligarchs tend to exploit their power for personal gain, while aristocrats are meant to serve the community.
• What are some historical examples of oligarchies and how do they reflect Aristotle's ideas about this form of government?
  • Historical examples like the Venetian Republic and modern Russia illustrate Aristotle's ideas about oligarchies by showcasing how power becomes concentrated among a small elite. In these cases, decision-making often favors the interests of this elite class, leading to social inequality and unrest. These examples support Aristotle's view that such governments can become unstable and may eventually face challenges from broader democratic movements.
• Evaluate the implications of oligarchy on social justice and equality within a society according to Aristotle's political philosophy.
  • In Aristotle's political philosophy, oligarchy poses significant challenges to social justice and equality because it inherently favors a small elite at the expense of the broader population. This concentration of power leads to policies that benefit only those in control, creating disparities in wealth and access to resources. As Aristotle suggests, such conditions can result in civil strife and dissatisfaction among those excluded from governance, ultimately undermining the stability of the state and prompting movements towards more equitable forms of government.

Related terms

Aristocracy: A form of government in which power is held by the nobility or a privileged class, often viewed by Aristotle as a more legitimate form than oligarchy.

Democracy: A system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives, contrasting sharply with the exclusivity of oligarchy.

Timocracy: A government in which only property owners may participate in governing, often seen as a middle ground between oligarchy and democracy.