# Aristotle — The Social Contract character guide

> Aristotle in The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Aristotle

**First appearance:** 0006-ii-the-first-societies

## Who they are

Ancient philosopher referenced on slavery and natural hierarchy.

## Relationships

### [Caligula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/characters/caligula)

_psychological_

Aristotle's political philosophy is contrasted with Caligula's tyrannical rule as a negative example of a ruler without virtue.

## In the story

### [The Social Contract](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/chapters/the-social-contract)

Mentioned for his view that men are not naturally equal, but some are born for slavery.

### [II: The First Societies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/chapters/ii-the-first-societies)

Mentioned for claiming some are born for slavery, but Rousseau argues he mistook effect for cause.

### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/chapters/book-ii)

Referenced in discussions on natural inequality and the foundation of society.

### [V: Aristocracy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/chapters/v-aristocracy)

Referenced for his view that the rich should always be put first, which Rousseau counters.

### [Deputies or Representatives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/chapters/xv-deputies-or-representatives)

Implied in the discussion of the nature of civil society and the disadvantages of representation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/characters/aristotle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_social_contract_se/characters