Author Description
The Politics is one of the most influential texts in the history of political thought, and it raises issues which still confront anyone who wants to think seriously about the ways in which human societies are organized and governed. The work of one of the world's greatest philosophers, it draws on Aristotle's own great knowledge of the political and constitutional affairs of the Greek cities. By examining the way societies are run - from households to city states - Aristotle establishes how successful constitutions can best be initiated and upheld. For this edition Sir Ernest Barker's fine translation, which has been widely used for nearly half a century, has been extensively revised to meet the needs of the modern reader. The accessible introduction and clear notes by R F Stalley examine the historical and philosophical background of the work and discuss its significance for modern political thought. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
Aristotle investigates the fundamental question of how human societies should be organized and governed to achieve the best possible political life. Drawing on his extensive observation of Greek city-states, Aristotle constructs a framework that evaluates various constitutional forms, ranging from the household unit to the complex city-state. This work serves as a foundational inquiry into the nature of citizenship, justice, and the purpose of the state within the context of classical political philosophy.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of diverse constitutional structures including monarchy, aristocracy, and polity
- Examination of the relationship between the household and the state
- Theoretical discourse on the nature of justice and the common good
- Historical observations of various Greek political systems
Scope Limits
- Does not address modern democratic systems or contemporary geopolitical structures
- Focuses primarily on the context of the ancient Greek polis rather than global governance
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and students consistently identify this text as a cornerstone of Western political thought. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which requires careful study to fully grasp the nuances of Aristotelian logic and political categorization.
Page Count:
480
Publication Date:
1998-01-01
ISBN-10:
0191605468
ISBN-13:
9780191605468
Philosophy
History
Political Theory
Political Science
Classical Studies
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