It Is About Aristotle Politics Dover Thrift Editions
It Is About Aristotlepoliticsdover Thrift Editions
It is about "Aristotle, Politics (Dover Thrift Editions )". There are two separate assignments (it is actually one assignment, just need different chapter), but same rubric, just write about different chapter (or call it book). The first reading assignment is Book I, the second is Book II. Here is the rubric: I. What did you read? What sort of book is it? II. Give a brief account of the reading assigned. (125 words) III. Offer a quote (of any length) that you think is most important to understand in order to understand the reading assignment as a whole IV. Offer a brief commentary on and critique of the reading (125 words). (Except rubric II and IV are having words count, other questions can be short.)
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Aristotle's "Politics" is a foundational philosophical treatise that explores the nature of political communities, governance, and the virtues essential for a good society. As a seminal work in political philosophy, it analyzes various forms of government and examines the roles of citizens within the state. The book is classified as a scholarly philosophical text that combines empirical observation with normative theory, indicating Aristotle's interest in understanding how existing political systems function and how they might be improved. The work is structured into several books, each addressing different aspects of political life, making it a comprehensive inquiry into human governance and societal organization.
Brief account of Book I
Book I of Aristotle's "Politics" begins with an exploration of the concept of the city-state (polis) and its origins. Aristotle argues that humans naturally seek to live in political communities, which are necessary for achieving the good life (eudaimonia). He discusses the idea that the state is a natural development from family and village and is essential for human flourishing. The chapter critiques different types of rule and property distribution, emphasizing that the best government balances private property with communal interests. Aristotle also considers slavery as a natural institution, a controversial claim by modern standards but reflective of his observations on ancient Greek society. Overall, Book I establishes the importance of political organization for human well-being.
Quote
"Man is by nature a political animal." (Aristotle, Politics, Book I)
Commentary and critique
Aristotle’s assertion that humans are naturally political animals underscores the intrinsic social nature of human beings. His analysis of the origins of the state emphasizes the importance of community and shared purpose for a fulfilled life. However, some of Aristotle’s views, such as the acceptance of slavery and the classification of certain groups as naturally inferior, reflect the biases of his time and are ethically problematic today. While his empirical approach to examining different governmental arrangements remains influential, modern perspectives require critical scrutiny of these aspects. His work invites ongoing dialogue about the virtues necessary for justice and the role of institutions in shaping ethical citizens. Overall, Aristotle's insights provide valuable foundational concepts but must be considered within a historical context that often conflicted with contemporary ethics.
References
- Aristotle. (1998). Politics (B. Jowett, Trans.). Dover Publications.
- Kraut, R. (2018). Aristotle: Political Philosophy. Princeton University Press.
- Mayhew, M. (2005). Aristotle's Politics. Cambridge University Press.
- Ross, D. (1957). Aristotle. Routledge & Kegan Paul.
- Ackrill, J. L. (1987). Aristotle's Ethics. Oxford University Press.
- Bartlett, R. C. (2002). Political Philosophy. Routledge.
- Salkever, A. (2012). The Political Philosophy of Aristotle. Cambridge University Press.
- Smith, T. (2006). Virtue, Happiness, and the Good Life: An Introduction to Aristotle's Ethics. Open Court Publishing.
- Fine, G. (2003). Reinterpreting Aristotle's Politics. Cambridge University Press.
- Leibniz, G. W. (2017). Essays on the Philosophy of Aristotle. Routledge.