Abstract

The article treats with one of the major principles of the aristotelian practical philosophy, i. e. the distinction between rational rule and despotic power. The former rests on the rational nature of the subjects and aims to an end which is common both to the superior and to the subjects. On the contrary, neither of those properties are implicated in the latter. This aristotelian thesis, shared by the whole classical natural law theory - from Aquinas to Althusius -, supports authority’s definition as direction toward a common good, and shows social and political life as having an intrinsic value. Finally, the article points out that Aristotle’s theory concerning command contests some of the main psychological, ethical and sociological modern positions (as those of Freud, Kant and Weber), whose conception of command is based upon repression and violence.