Aristotle and Private Property

The ideas of Aristotle have had a tremendous impact on social and economic
thought since thedays of the Lyceum. Aristotles greatest contribution is his
recognition of the vital importance of private property. Aristotle denounced the
communism of the ruling elite advocated by Plato. According to Aristotle, Platos
collectivist utopia runs counter to humanity multiplicity and the mutual advantage
gained through market exchange. Plato himself recognized the importance of the
division of labour. Plato has Socrates remark in The Republic that specialization
occurs because we are not all alike; there are many diversities of natures among us
which are adapted to different occupations.

Aristotle outlined the common characteristics of private property that

strengthen his support:

1. Private property is more productive and leads to progress.

2. Conflict is inherent in communal property management.
3. Private property is intrinsic to mans nature. The love of self, money, and
property is tied to natural love of exclusive ownership.
4. Private property has existed always and everywhere.
5. Only private property allows for opportunity for moral action; to practice
virtues of benevolence (kindness) and philanthropy (charity).

Plato and Private Property

Both the ruling class and the military class are forbidden to possess any private
property or any money. They must live, men and women like soldiers in barracks,
with common meals and sleeping quarters. Their food, clothing and equipment will
be provided by the producers. This food must be simple and restricted to moderate
quantities. They are too have no family life, in order to avoid any conflict between
family loyalties and their loyalty to the state.

Aquinas and Private Property

Private property is a desirable economic institution because it complements mans

internal desire for order. Hence the ownership of possessions is not contrary to the
natural law, Aquinas writes in the Summa Theologica, but an addition thereto
devised by human reason. The state, however, has the authority to maintain a
legal framework for commercial life, such as enforcing rules prohibiting theft,
force, and fraud. In this way, civil law is a reflection of the natural law. Further,
Aquinas believed that private ownership of property is the best guarantee of a
peaceful and orderly society, for it provides maximum incentive for the responsible
stewardship of property.
Contrasting Plato and Aristotles Ideal State

i. Private property

Plato prescribed in his communism concerning the abolishment of private property,

especially to the guardians and the auxiliaries. Plato says anything (property) that
must be owned by them, must be owned collectively. This could be as a reason of
their societal hierarchy and the tendency to abuse such privilege.

Aristotle on the other hand criticized the abolition of private property, as he

recognizes the need to own such even though the private possession of goods must
be within certain limits. He therefore preached against the excessive accumulation
of goods and advised citizens to use their limited possessions for the benefit of the
common good.