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Aristotle on the Conditions for and Limits of the Common Good

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  • Smith, Thomas W.

Abstract

Contemporary debates over liberal political theory should encourage renewed investigation of the common good, and it is appropriate to begin by interrogating Aristotle's account. Aristotle argues that injustice stands in the way of the common good. Injustice is motivated by both overgrasping for scarce external goods, such as money, honor, and power, and by excessive desires. Aristotle argues that the common good requires a reorientation away from external goods to satisfying activities that do not diminish in the sharing. He sketches an analogical account of familial and political relationships that leads us to wonder what the political conditions are for the common good. Reflecting on these conditions not only points to the strict limits of the common good but also speaks to both sides in debates over liberal theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Smith, Thomas W., 1999. "Aristotle on the Conditions for and Limits of the Common Good," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 93(3), pages 625-636, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:apsrev:v:93:y:1999:i:03:p:625-636_21
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    Cited by:

    1. Joan Fontrodona & Joan Enric Ricart & Pascual Berrone, 2018. "Ethical Challenges in Strategic Management: The 19th IESE International Symposium on Ethics, Business and Society," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 152(4), pages 887-898, November.
    2. Surendra Arjoon & Alvaro Turriago-Hoyos & Ulf Thoene, 2018. "Virtuousness and the Common Good as a Conceptual Framework for Harmonizing the Goals of the Individual, Organizations, and the Economy," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 147(1), pages 143-163, January.
    3. Marek Loužek, 2012. "Společné dobro - realita, nebo fikce?," E-LOGOS, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2012(1), pages 1-22.
    4. Frémeaux, Sandrine & Puyou, François-Régis & Michelson, Grant, 2020. "Beyond accountants as technocrats: A common good perspective," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 67.
    5. Alejo Sison & Joan Fontrodona, 2011. "The Common Good of Business: Addressing a Challenge Posed by «Caritas in Veritate»," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 100(1), pages 99-107, March.
    6. Grigoriadis, Theocharis, 2018. "Aristotle vs. Plato: The distributive origins of the Cold War," Discussion Papers 2018/9, Free University Berlin, School of Business & Economics.

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