Discuss the role of power in human society with reference to Aristotle's philosophy. How should power be managed to ensure ethical governance?

According to Aristotle, virtue lies in our power. As power can help in taking tough decisions, positive changes in society, influencing the action of people, and punishing wrongdoers. However, power also leads to greed and freedom to take immoral actions, which would result in: i) Downward fall of the society values ii) Ethical decisions not taken iii) Power lust and greed takes over human consciousness. This leads to vice and thus power is a tricky thing needing careful handling.

Managing power to take correct action requires: i) strong values of integrity, honesty and compassion to guide actions that well to power enables ii) Non abusing of power in wrong way over people less fortunate iii) knowing the difference between correct and incorrect usage of power iv) Power only as a means and never as an ends.

Political leaders and civil servants have been given great power by the society to take decisions on their behalf for their welfare. However, wrong use leads to corruption, societal division and inequality in the society.