Discussion about this post

User's avatar
William Pritting's avatar

Aristocracy Vs Oligarchy

Aristocracy and oligarchy are both forms of government in which the society is ruled by a small group of people. However, there are some key differences. Most significantly, while aristocracy is “rule by the best,” oligarchy is “rule by the few.”

Aristocracies are comprised of individuals considered best fit to rule because of their nobility—a level of moral and intellectual superiority that is assumed to have been genetically passed down through family lines. Oligarchies, on the other hand, are made up of people who are simply more wealthy and powerful than the rest of the population. In the words of Aristotle, “…wherever men rule by reason of their wealth, whether they be few or many, that is an oligarchy.”

Since their position is typically insured through inheritance, aristocrats tend to act in the best interest of society. In contrast, oligarchs, whose status is typically dependent on maintaining their current level of wealth, tend to act out of their economic self-interest. In this manner, oligarchy is often associated with corruption, oppression, and tyranny.

https://www.thoughtco.com/aristocracy-definition-and-examples-5111953

Expand full comment
8 more comments...

No posts