Legislation on the body in book VII of Aristotle’s Politics

Abstract

It is well known that Aristotle privileges the soul over the body throughout his work. However, it is no less true that he believes that the body constitutes an important object of inquiry, among other reasons, due to its relevance within his practical philosophy. Keeping in mind these remarks, this article, first, shows why Aristotle considers the soul more important than the body from an ontological point of view; secondly, it indicates that the same is also valid with regard to practical philosophy; third, it argues that, nevertheless, for Aristotle it is essential that the good politician not only legislate on the soul, but also on the body; fourth and last, it brings up a series of texts from Book VII of Aristotle’s Politics, which shows the relevance of the legislation on the body,
including a eugenic plan.