Description
Book SynopsisMan is by nature a political animalIn The Politics Aristotle addresses the questions that lie at the heart of political science. How should society be ordered to ensure the happiness of the individual? Which forms of government are best and how should they be maintained? By analysing a range of city constitutions – oligarchies, democracies and tyrannies – he seeks to establish the strengths and weaknesses of each system to decide which are the most effective, in theory and in practice. A hugely significant work, which has influenced thinkers as diverse as Aquinas and Machiavelli, The Politics remains an outstanding commentary on fundamental political issues and concerns, and provides fascinating insights into the workings and attitudes of the Greek city-state.
The introductions by T. A. Sinclair and Trevor J. Saunders discuss the influence of The Politics on philosophers, its modern relevance and Aristotle’s political beliefs. This
Table of Contents
Translator's introduction, T.A. Sinclair: Aristotle's life and work; Aristotle's politics in the past; Aristotle's politics today. Reviser's introduction, T.J. Saunders: a modern report on the politics; teaching and research in the Lyceum; the contents and structure of "The Politics"; Aristotle's philosophical assumptions; why read "The Politics"; the revised translation - principles of revision, translation of key terms, refractory terms, italicized prefaces to chapters, numerical references. "The Politics" Book 1: the state of an association; the state exists by nature - the two "pairs", formation of the household, formation of the village, formation of the state, the state and the individual; the household and its slaves; the slave as a tool; slavery as part of a universal natural pattern; the relation between legal and natural slavery; the nature of rule over slaves; the natural method of acquiring goods; natural and unnatural methods of acquiring goods; the proper limits of household - management - the unnaturalness of money-lending; some practical considerations - especially on the creation of monopoly; brief analysis of the authority of husband and father; morality and efficiency in the household. Book 2: introduction to ideal states - how far should sharing go?; extreme unity in Plato's "Republic"; extreme unity is impractical; further objections to community of wives and children; the ownership of property; criticisms of Plato's laws; the constitution of Phaleas; the constitution of Hippodamus; criticisms of Spartan constitution the Helots. (Part contents)
