Explanation and Critique of the Philosophical Foundations of Aristotle’s Justification of Slavery

Slavery and its justification is a phenomenon that has manifested itself throughout history, and Aristotle’s contribution to its rationalization is undeniable. He considers the condition of the slave and the ownership by the master as both natural and even necessary, relying on specific philosophical principles that hold a prominent position within his philosophical system. This study seeks first to explain and analyze Aristotle’s particular conception of the slave and slavery, along with the philosophical principles that support this justification—namely, matter and form, nature, and essentialism. Then, by demonstrating the flaws in these principles, it critiques and evaluates Aristotle’s theory of slavery. The findings of this research indicate that great thinkers rely on fundamental principles to substantiate the validity and coherence of their claims. If those principles are valid, the associated claims will also hold; if not, they will collapse. The philosophical foundations used by Aristotle to justify slavery reflect the superficial understandings of his era, and since those principles lack philosophical robustness, his justification of slavery is also deemed invalid.