ARISTOTLE'S THEORY OF CITIZENSHIP
- It is a legal status of a person with respect to the state.
- He recognizes the two principles for conferring Citizenship
- birth.
- blood.
- However, Aristotle's basis of citizenship is not limited to just these two criteria.
- Aristotle excludes women. children. old people and slaves from the definition of I
- the citizens.
- Because for him citizenship is not just a formal status. He focuses on the substantiative aspect of citizenship.
- According to Aristotle, citizenship is a duty or responsibility. It is a duty to participate in the affairs of the states i.e. in legislative functions- the function of I law-making and Judicial functions- the functions of law interpretation.
- For performing both legislative and judicial functions one needs the virtu i.e. high degree moral and intellectual excellence and active participation.
- thus excluding women, children, old man and slaves from the definition of citizens.
- Women are excluded because Aristotle believed in patriarchy and argues that and nurture of the children.
- Children are excluded from being immature as they lack virtue.
- Old men are excluded because of their health conditions as they will not be able to ensure active participation.
- Slaves are excluded because; they lacked reason and wisdom along with virtue, which is required to participate in State affairs.
- Aristotle is also in favour of not giving citizenship to agriculturalists and industrialists as they will not be able to devote time for State affairs.
- Thus, citizenship was limited to freemen, i.e. too young age dynamic individual.
Aristotle also points out the four conditions to differentiate between citizens and non-citizens.
- 1. Citizenship is not alone determined on the basis of residence, not all residents living in the State can be citizens. E.g. Foreigners
- 2. Citizenship can't be defined by exercising civil rights. Everyone exercising civil rights is not a citizen. E.g.- Women, old men etc.
- 3. Citizenship can't be provided to those whose parents are a foreigner or hold citizenship of different States.
- 4. Citizenship can't be provided if anyone has the power to sue or to be sued
- 1. A good citizen lives in harmony.
- 2. A good citizen coordinate and cooperate with State.
- 3. he should take responsibility for State building.
- 4. A good citizen gives equal weightage to duties along with rights..
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