ARISTOTLE: VALIDATION OF POLITICAL POWER

Abstract

The discussion in focus is part of a larger project, which aims at examining the classics of
Philosophy and Political Science in order to examine how these scholars validate the political power.
Taking into account this extensive study, we hope to obtain a consistent theoretical referential for
this study regarding the nature of contemporary state and forms of participation from the citizens in
policy decisions. In this regard, this paper will only deal about Aristotle’s political thought.
Therefore, it will observe how Aristotle conceived the State origin and, thus, how he validates the
political power. According to the analyses, it was possible to observe that, from the assumption that
everything that happens in the world has a purpose, Aristotle came to the conclusion that the State
and, with it, political power, were created by men in order to promote the citizen’s happiness and all
the community members as well. According to Aristotle’s comprehension, since the State purpose is
to promote happiness, the most appropriate would be that only free men, empowered by nature to the
performance of political functions, should participate in policy decisions. Moreover, this study has
registered that even though Aristotle would like to attempt an objective study of political
phenomena, he has also given his worthy opinion about the best form of government.