The Measured Hand: Exploring the Idea of Temperance in Politics

Summary

In an age often characterized by extremes, the ancient idea of temperance offers a profound philosophical lens through which to examine the health and stability of government. Rooted in the wisdom of the Great Books of the Western World, temperance, understood as a cardinal virtue, advocates for moderation, self-control, and balance, serving as a critical counterpoint to the vices of excess and impulsivity that can undermine political life and societal well-being. This article delves into the historical philosophical underpinnings of temperance and its enduring relevance to political leadership and governance.

The Enduring Wisdom of Moderation

From the earliest philosophical inquiries into the ideal state, the concept of temperance has held a pivotal position. It is more than mere abstention; it is the harmonious ordering of desires, the rational control of appetites, and the pursuit of a balanced existence. For the great thinkers whose works form the bedrock of Western thought, temperance was not just a personal virtue but a foundational element for a just and stable society, particularly within the realm of government.

Philosophical Foundations: The Idea of Temperance

The idea of temperance, or sophrosyne in ancient Greek, permeates the texts of Plato, Aristotle, and later, the scholastic philosophers. Their insights, preserved within the Great Books of the Western World, provide a rich tapestry for understanding this crucial virtue.

Plato's Vision of a Harmonious State

In Plato’s Republic, temperance is presented as a state of internal harmony, a concord between the different parts of the soul—reason, spirit, and appetite. When each part performs its proper function without overstepping its bounds, the soul achieves temperance. This individual virtue finds its parallel in the ideal state:

  • Rulers (Guardians): Possessing wisdom.
  • Auxiliaries (Soldiers): Exhibiting courage.
  • Producers (Craftsmen/Farmers): Demonstrating temperance through obedience to the rulers and control over their desires.

Plato argues that temperance in the state is achieved when all classes agree on who should rule, creating a unified and ordered society. It is the virtue that binds the state together, ensuring that no single part dominates unjustly.

Aristotle's Golden Mean

Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, further refines the idea of temperance as a mean between two extremes: insensibility (a deficiency) and self-indulgence (an excess). For Aristotle, temperance is a practical virtue acquired through habit, enabling individuals to experience pleasure and pain appropriately, guided by reason. This "golden mean" is not a rigid midpoint but a flexible balance determined by practical wisdom (phronesis).

Deficiency Mean Excess
Insensibility Temperance Self-indulgence
Cowardice Courage Rashness
Stinginess Liberality Prodigality

This principle extends naturally to the conduct of government, suggesting that policies and leadership should avoid extremes, seeking a balanced approach that serves the common good.

Aquinas and the Ordering of Appetites

Thomas Aquinas, drawing heavily on Aristotle, integrated temperance into his Christian ethical framework. For Aquinas, temperance is a moral virtue that moderates the desires and pleasures of the sensory appetites, particularly those related to touch (food, drink, sex). It is reason asserting its proper control over these base desires, preventing them from leading the individual away from their ultimate good. This discipline of the self is indispensable for anyone aspiring to lead or participate constructively in government.

Temperance in Government: A Virtue for the Body Politic

The application of temperance to government transcends individual morality; it becomes a principle for good governance itself. A temperate government is one that:

  • Exercises Prudence: Makes decisions based on careful deliberation and long-term consequences, rather than short-term gains or impulsive reactions.
  • Manages Resources Wisely: Avoids extravagance and waste, ensuring public funds are used responsibly for the common good.
  • Promotes Social Harmony: Seeks to balance the competing interests of different groups, preventing one faction from dominating others excessively.
  • Resists Corruption: Leaders who embody temperance are less susceptible to the allure of power, wealth, or illicit pleasures, thereby safeguarding the integrity of public office.

(Image: A classical relief sculpture depicting Lady Temperance, perhaps holding a bridle or a chalice and pitcher, symbolizing control and moderation. The figure should convey serenity and balance, set against a backdrop of ancient architectural elements, hinting at the enduring nature of the virtue in political thought.)

Virtue and Vice: The Political Spectrum

The absence of temperance in politics inevitably leads to vice, manifesting in various destructive forms. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for diagnosing and addressing political maladies.

The Vices of Intemperance

Vice Manifestation in Politics Consequences
Gluttony/Greed Corruption, embezzlement, excessive taxation, rent-seeking Economic instability, public distrust, social inequality
Lust/Hedonism Abuse of power for personal pleasure, moral decay Scandals, erosion of respect for institutions, poor decision-making based on self-interest
Impulsivity Hasty legislation, reactive policies, demagoguery Unintended negative consequences, political instability, erosion of deliberative process
Extremism Dogmatic ideologies, inability to compromise, factionalism Political polarization, civil unrest, oppression of minorities

These vices undermine the very fabric of government, leading to instability, injustice, and ultimately, the decline of the state. History, as chronicled in the Great Books, offers numerous cautionary tales of societies undone by the intemperance of their leaders and citizens.

Cultivating Temperance in Modern Political Life

In a world grappling with complex challenges, the idea of temperance in politics is perhaps more vital than ever. How can we encourage this virtue in contemporary government?

  1. Ethical Leadership: Promoting leaders who demonstrate self-control, humility, and a commitment to the common good over personal ambition.
  2. Robust Institutions: Designing systems of checks and balances that temper the exercise of power and prevent any single branch or individual from becoming intemperate.
  3. Civic Education: Fostering a citizenry that values moderation, critical thinking, and respectful discourse, rather than being swayed by demagoguery or emotional appeals.
  4. Deliberative Democracy: Encouraging public debate and policy-making processes that prioritize thoughtful consideration, compromise, and long-term sustainability over immediate gratification or partisan victories.
  5. Media Accountability: Promoting media environments that encourage balanced reporting and informed discussion, rather than sensationalism or the amplification of extreme views.

Conclusion: The Enduring Need for Measured Governance

The idea of temperance is not a relic of ancient philosophy but a timeless principle essential for robust and just government. As the Great Books of the Western World consistently remind us, the pursuit of individual and collective well-being hinges on the ability to master desires, avoid extremes, and seek balance. In politics, this translates into leadership that is prudent, policies that are equitable, and a societal discourse that is civil. Embracing temperance as a cardinal virtue offers a powerful antidote to the vices that threaten to destabilize our political landscapes, paving the way for a more harmonious and enduring future.

Video by: The School of Life

💡 Want different videos? Search YouTube for: ""Plato's Republic Temperance" or "Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Golden Mean""

Video by: The School of Life

💡 Want different videos? Search YouTube for: ""Political Philosophy Virtue Ethics Governance""

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