Archived Abstracts
A Search for Aristotelian Political Friendship in Thomas Jefferson's Ideal American Regime
Location
Room 215, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Entry Number
54
Start Date
4-8-2020 2:30 PM
End Date
4-8-2020 2:45 PM
Department
Philosophy
Abstract
In this project, I elucidate the presence of Aristotelian political friendship within Thomas Jefferson's ideal American regime. The project considers Aristotle's political thought that are relevant to political friendship, and draws parallels to Jefferson's political philosophy through: (1) the institutional organization of the regime and its citizens (the constitution and construction of the regime, the class demographics of its citizens, etc.); and (2) the philosophical principles that inform the aim(s) and end (telē) of the regime.
Despite notable differences between their political philosophies -- such as Jefferson's inclusion of Christian moral philosophy in his thought -- I conclude that Jefferson's attempts to harmonize the salient aims of modern liberalism and classical republicanism is what creates the space for Aristotelian political friendship in Jefferson's conceptual regime.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Tim Meinke Dr. Nick Frank Dr. Elizabeth Savage
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A Search for Aristotelian Political Friendship in Thomas Jefferson's Ideal American Regime
Room 215, Schewel Hall
In this project, I elucidate the presence of Aristotelian political friendship within Thomas Jefferson's ideal American regime. The project considers Aristotle's political thought that are relevant to political friendship, and draws parallels to Jefferson's political philosophy through: (1) the institutional organization of the regime and its citizens (the constitution and construction of the regime, the class demographics of its citizens, etc.); and (2) the philosophical principles that inform the aim(s) and end (telē) of the regime.
Despite notable differences between their political philosophies -- such as Jefferson's inclusion of Christian moral philosophy in his thought -- I conclude that Jefferson's attempts to harmonize the salient aims of modern liberalism and classical republicanism is what creates the space for Aristotelian political friendship in Jefferson's conceptual regime.