The Politics of Aristotle (Galaxy Books) - Softcover

Aristotle

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195003063 ISBN 13: 9780195003062

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1962

Synopsis

Aristotle's Politics is a key document in Western political thought. In these first two books Aristotle shows his complete mastery of political theory and practice, and raises many crucial issues still with us today. In Book I he argues vigorously for a political theory based on 'nature'. By nature, man is a 'political animal', one naturally fitted for life in a polis or state. Some people, however, are natural slaves; and women are by nature subordinate to men. Acquisition and exchange are natural, but not trading for profit. In Book II he launches a sharp attack on Plato's two 'utopias', the Republic and the Laws, and also criticizes three historical states reputed to be well governed: Sparta, Crete, and Carthage. This volume contains a close translation of these two books, together with a philosophical commentary. It is well suited to the requirements of readers who do not know Greek.

About this title

Review:

"The translation is very clear; good for the undergraduate classroom. The footnotes are excellent--helpful without being overwhelming."--Karen Adkins, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

"Still the best [translation]; I haven't found any better."--Christopher Rocco, University of Connecticut

"Excellent notes and summaries--very helpful."--Leslie Collins Edwards, University of California, San Diego

From the Back Cover:

Aristotle's Politics, along with Plato's Republic, constitutes the fountainhead of social and political theory. Sir Ernest Barker, in his Preface to this edition, describes the kind of translation which he feels is needed by the English-speaking-world.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1962
• ISBN 10: 0195003063
• ISBN 13: 9780195003062
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 492