Aristotle's Politics
What is the polis?
A Greek city-state
Why is Gilgamesh seen as unjust at the start of the epic?
He oppresses his people, acts without restraint
Who is the target audience of the Panchatantra fables?
The young princes to teach them widsom
What is Ma’at?
Egyptian principle of truth, justice, and cosmic balance
How is justice defined in the polis by Aristotle?
Individuals act for the common good rather than private interests
What action resulted in Enkidu’s death?
Killing the Bull of Heaven -> defying divine order
What lesson is taught in “The Monkey and the Crocodile” story?
Utilizing wisdom through clever speech, not force, to save oneself from injustice
How does Ptah-Hotep teach people to act when they have great knowledge?
remain humble and do not boast
How does Aristotle link justice to education?
educates citizens so they can both rule and be ruled
How does Gilgamesh’s journey illustrate his understanding towards immortality/justice?
Through Enkidu's death and Utnapishtim, he accepts mortality, understands the importance of good rule and wisdom (looking back at Uruk's walls)
What role does language play in creating or destroying political order? Any examples?
Language has power itself -> shapes political reality not through force
E.g. in Book 1, the jackal's words
What common teaching in both Gilgamesh and Ptah-Hotep emphasize the qualities of a just ruler?
Humility, self control, concern for the people as key
Why is Aristotle's ideal constitution (polity) good and which two constitution does it consist of?
Oligarchy + Democracy
Aims for common good, balances interests of rich and poor through shared rule
How does mortality used as a form of justice in the epic?
Mortality brings equality to all human kind, Gilgamesh's failure to escape mortality shows how justice is finding meaning in life
How does the animal fables show that wisdom is more important than strength in ruling justly?
Panchatantra shows how adapting to situations cleverly resolves problems strength could not. True justice -> uses strategy, rather than fear (like in Gilgamesh)
How does Ptah-Hotep define justice for the vulnerable, and why is listening considered an act of justice?
Protects the poor, the weak, the widows
Listening: moral duty, honors dignity of the weak, sustains Ma'at
Who can and cannot be a citizen according to Aristotle's definition? And what 'A' and 'B' roles must citizens play? (Bonus +100)
Only free adult men, excluding women, slaves, laborers
Bonus: deliberative and judicial
How does Gilgamesh’s transformation challenge the idea of justice through kingship compared to Aristotle?
Gilgamesh: initially portrayed as if might=right, eventually, shows that true kingship and just is care for the weak
Aristotle: aims at highest good -> eudaemonia(happiness)
How does the view of politics as interpretation in Panchatantra compare to Ptah-Hotep’s ideas of just rule?
Panchatantra: rooted in language, storytelling -> use words wisely
Ptah-Hotep: moral and restraint in the use of speech
How does Ptah-Hotep use education to pass down wisdom and justice compared to Aristotle?
Ptah-Hotep: a father-son teaching through maxims -> shows how wisdom to just is passed down through parental teachings
Aristotle: emphasizes education that brings virtuous citizens