Aristotle On Slavery

Posted: 5/25/2015

Trigger

Unfortunately, I forgot which article made me aware of Aristotle's writing about slavery.

In His Own Words

“Part V

But is there any one thus intended by nature to be a slave, and for whom such a condition is expedient and right, or rather is not all slavery a violation of nature?

There is no difficulty in answering this question, on grounds both of reason and of fact. For that some should rule and others be ruled is a thing not only necessary, but expedient; from the hour of their birth, some are marked out for subjection, others for rule. ” (Emphasis added. Source: Politics, Book 1 written 350 BC)

Aristotle described his world view at the very beginning of his magnus opus Politics in 7 volumes, where he described basic principles.

No Wonder

No wonder it took more than 2,000 years to abolish slavery in most parts of the world or is slavery not still with us today?