The Politics (Penguin Classics)
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Raising questions that are as relevant to modern society as they were to the ancient world, Aristotle’s The Politics remains central to the study of political science millennia after its compilation. This Penguin Classics edition is translated from the Greek by T.A. Sinclair, revised and re-presented by Trevor J. Saunders.
In 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, and to decide which are the most effective, in theory and in practice. Like his predecessor Plato, Aristotle believed that the ideal constitution should be good in itself and in accordance with nature, and that it is needed by man – ‘a political animal’ – to fulfil his potential. A hugely significant work, which has influenced thinkers as diverse as Thomas 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 edition contains Greek and English glossaries, and a bibliography for further reading.
Aristotle (384-322BC) was born at Stagira, in the dominion of the kings of Macedonia. For twenty years he studied at Athens in the Academy of Plato. Some time later, became the tutor of young Alexander the Great. His writings, including De Anima, The Nicomachean Ethics, Poetics, and The Politics, profoundly affected the whole course of ancient and medieval philosophy.
If you enjoyed The Politics, you might like Plato’s Republic, also available in Penguin Classics.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Penguin Classics, Revised ed. edition (17 Sept. 1981) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 512 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9780140444216 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0140444216 |
| Dimensions | 21.6 x 13.8 x 3.06 cm |
by Paul Marks
Very interesting – but a reminder that Aristotle never fully freed himself from Plato’s collectivism. Still, full disclosure, I am on Lycophron’s side of the argument – I do not believe that the state exists to make people “just and good” or that it is the job of “the legislator” to map out the lives or character of people. I hold that law exists to apply the non aggression principle of justice – hands-off non aggression in terms of the bodies and goods of individuals and voluntary associations, this view is attacked by Aristotle just as Plato attacks it.
by Chris X
Fantastic book!
by ahmed s khan
It was for a guest from KSA and he is very happy with this book.He is enjoying it and is great full.
by Tuppies
This is an informative book- excellent
by Neville’s Kindle
Satisfied
by matt steele
Great book, quick delivery, many thanks
by Martin Wolf
This is a good edition of one of the most important books ever written
by G. J. Matthews
What can i say other than great!