Aristotle's political thought emphasizes a natural order where the polis is a vital social organization aimed at achieving the good life. He views man as a political animal who engages in politics for the common good, with political rule being a natural form of governance among equals. Additionally, he differentiates between the integral parts of the state, such as citizenship and law, and its necessary conditions, like slavery.

1. UNDERSTANDING ARISTOTLE’S POLITICS

2. Overview Who was Aristotle ? What were the key assumptions behind the Politics ? Which ideas of Aristotle are relevant to the study of politics and democracy ?

3. Aristotle: A Profile Born in 384 BC in Stagira He was interested in a broad array of subjects (mostly sciences) Founded the Lyceum Tutor of Alexander the Great

4. Aristotle’s Politics: Key Assumptions The concept of “ Nature ” There is a certain natural order to things All things have a specific function or purpose to fulfill

5. Aristotle’s approach is teleological in nature All things have an end to which they are ordained To achieve that end is good Aristotle’s Politics: Key Assumptions

6. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts The whole takes primacy over its individual parts Collective achievements can surpass individual ones Aristotle’s Politics: Key Assumptions

7. What is the nature of a Polis? Certain relationships in life are natural HOUSEHOLD VILLAGE POLIS

8. Aristotle contends that the Polis is a natural organization Men strive to be self-sufficient but cannot be so alone The nature of the polis is to be self-sufficing What is the nature of a Polis?

9. “ It grows for the sake of mere life, and it exists for the sake of the good life .” (Curtis, p. 65) What is the nature of a Polis?

10. The Good Life Distinguishes the polis from other social organizations Understood as happiness but not pleasure Rooted in virtue To live the good life is in man’s common interest

11. Therefore… Man is a political animal Man engages in politics to achieve the common good

12. On forms of rule… Various kinds of rule are natural to man: Family Slavery Political Rule

13. Characteristics of Political Rule Citizenship Constitution Sovereignty Justice Law

14. Synthesis Aristotle distinguishes between the necessary conditions of the state and its integral parts Slavery is a necessary condition for the state, but not an integral part

15. Synthesis By way of contrast, citizenship , constitutions , law , etc. are integral parts of the state

16. Summary Aristotle ’s political thought is naturalistic and teleological The polis is a natural social organization Man is by nature a political animal

17. Summary The objective of politics is to achieve the good life Various kinds of rule are natural Political rule is rule by equals over equals

18. Summary Aristotle distinguishes between the “ parts ” of the state and its necessary conditions