Friendship, ēthos and equality in Aristotle’s treatment of democratic politeiai

The aim of this essay is to bring to light the role played by concern for the ēthos of citizens in the establishment and preservation of regimes by virtuous legislative activity, with special reference to democratic forms of government. To this goal, I will lay stress on the idea of “political friendship” (hē politikē philia), which Aristotle explores in his ethical works in relation to the power of virtuous legislative activity to shape the (individual and relational) habits of citizens. An analysis of different types of democratic regimes will show that they lack authentic political friendship. I will also contend that, although democratic measures might occasionally ameliorate and preserve imperfect regimes, Aristotle continues to maintain a negative view of such politeiai.