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Politics

By Aristotle

Aristotle's Politics examines the nature and purpose of political community, household rule, citizenship, constitutional forms, political stability, revolution and public education. Across eight Books, Aristotle combines ethical argument with comparisons of actual institutions, defending government for the common benefit while analysing monarchy, aristocracy, constitutional government, oligarchy, democracy and tyranny.

Translator or editor
William Ellis
Publication
4th century BCE; William Ellis translation first published 1776
Genre
Political philosophy; constitutional theory; ethics
Era
Ancient Philosophy

About this work

Politics is Aristotle's foundational study of political community, citizenship, constitutions and education. Written in the fourth century BCE, it continues the ethical inquiry into human flourishing by examining the institutions through which people live together. Book I presents the city as a natural community existing for the sake of living well and introduces Aristotle's influential claim that human beings are political animals. Its defence of household hierarchy and natural slavery demands critical examination. Books II and III compare proposed and existing systems, define citizenship and classify constitutions according to who rules and whether rule serves the common benefit. Books IV-VI analyse democracy, oligarchy, mixed government, political offices and the causes and prevention of constitutional change. Aristotle particularly values a strong middle class and balanced institutions. Books VII and VIII return to the best regime, asking how population, property, civic function and public education should support a flourishing political community.

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