According to Aristotle, the idea of a good citizen and a good person are related but not always identical. Citizenship is defined in terms of participation in the state (polis).
Good Citizen (According to Aristotle):
A good citizen is one who:
- Actively participates in the affairs of the state
- Obeys the laws of the constitution
- Knows how to rule and be ruled
- Works for the stability and functioning of the state
Bad Citizen:
A bad citizen is one who:
- Does not follow laws or the constitution
- Fails to participate in civic duties
- Acts against the interest of the state
- Disrupts social and political order
Important Insight:
- Aristotle believed that a good citizen depends on the type of government
- In some cases, a person may be a good citizen but not necessarily a morally good person, and vice versa
Key Takeaway:
A good citizen, according to Aristotle, is one who supports and participates in the state according to its constitution, while a bad citizen fails to do so.