Aristotle Body And Soul Reflection Paper

Aristotle proposes that there exists in nature a certain duality of body and soul, and because of this duality, and the real existence of natural slaves, concludes that slavery benefits all people in a given society, and will result in the flourishing of the whole society. Aristotle looks to nature to explain his theory of body and soul. Each “whole” in nature is composed of parts- a ruling class, and a ruled class (page 1990, line 12). This distinction of a whole between individual parts is most clearly demonstrated in an individual’s life. In the relationship between the soul and the body, he argues that this sort of balance and tension exists as the reason, (the soul,) rules over the passions and appetites of the body (page 1990, line 24).The

In other words, by nature, the slave class are equipment and machinery capable of building magnificent structures, yet are unable to move and build on their own. They need another part, a builder, to maneuver their machinery, to guide their labor, and together the two may accomplish brilliance and excellence! (page 1989, line 19-20) The role of the master is to rule and lead the slave well, as a member of his household, and as a part which combined with his part forms a complete whole. Whereas, the slave is prompted by nature, and required by society to serve their masters, and in so doing serve the whole. The slave and the master are fundamentally linked in matters of identity and function; together they form a relationship as a whole of mutual interests and support. Aristotle does not consider the master to be superior to the slave; he merely contends that for the administration of thriving for each person, the slave should serve the master, and the master should lead the slave. Aristotle argues that some are slaves by nature. Animals are ruled by their passions, however,