The Politics of Aristotle: Vol. I: Containing the Introduction and Translation

by Aristotle, Ernest Barker

The Politics of Aristotle - Vol. I: Containing the Introduction and Translation is an unchanged, high-quality reprint of the original edition of 1885. Hansebooks is editor of the literature on different topic areas such as research and science, travel and expeditions, cooking and nutrition, medicine, and other genres. As a publisher we focus on the preservation of historical literature. Many works of historical writers and scientists are available today as antiques only. Hansebooks newly publishes these books and contributes to the preservation of literature which has become rare and historical knowledge for the future.

458 pages, Paperback

Published April 27, 2017

About the author

Aristotle (Greek: Αριστοτέλης; 384–322 BC) was an Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath. His writings cover a broad range of subjects spanning the natural sciences, philosophy, linguistics, economics, politics, psychology, and the arts. As the founder of the Peripatetic school of philosophy in the Lyceum in Athens, he began the wider Aristotelian tradition that followed, which set the groundwork for the development of modern science.
Little is known about Aristotle's life. He was born in the city of Stagira in northern Greece during the Classical period. His father, Nicomachus, died when Aristotle was a child, and he was brought up by a guardian. At 17 or 18, he joined Plato's Academy in Athens and remained there until the age of 37 (c. 347 BC). Shortly after Plato died, Aristotle left Athens and, at the request of Philip II of Macedon, tutored his son Alexander the Great beginning in 343 BC. He established a library in the Lyceum, which helped him to produce many of his hundreds of books on papyrus scrolls.
Though Aristotle wrote many treatises and dialogues for publication, only around a third of his original output has survived, none of it intended for publication. Aristotle provided a complex synthesis of the various philosophies existing prior to him. His teachings and methods of inquiry have had a significant impact across the world, and remain a subject of contemporary philosophical discussion.
Aristotle's views profoundly shaped medieval scholarship. The influence of his physical science extended from late antiquity and the Early Middle Ages into the Renaissance, and was not replaced systematically until the Enlightenment and theories such as classical mechanics were developed. He influenced Judeo-Islamic philosophies during the Middle Ages, as well as Christian theology, especially the Neoplatonism of the Early Church and the scholastic tradition of the Catholic Church.
Aristotle was revered among medieval Muslim scholars as "The First Teacher", and among medieval Christians like Thomas Aquinas as simply "The Philosopher", while the poet Dante Alighieri called him "the master of those who know". His works contain the earliest known formal study of logic, and were studied by medieval scholars such as Pierre Abélard and Jean Buridan. Aristotle's influence on logic continued well into the 19th century. In addition, his ethics, although always influential, gained renewed interest with the modern advent of virtue ethics.

Reviews

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comprehensive guide on ‘the politics of Aristotle’ printed in Oxford, University press is an indispensable read. This book includes; a chronological table of the main events in Greek history (that are related to politics) and a glossary of philosophical terms. It also includes information on Plato’s Republic and Laws. Many words in every language has associations, echoes and overtones which no translation can convey. This Greek translation is unique in its entirety, containing lots of Latin words, from state to administration, sovereignty, statute, justice and government. It is therefore easy to read, follow and reference from. ‘Kyrios’ Christian liturgy in the sense of ‘the Lord’, translates to the word ‘Sovereign’ for instance. The political association of words to their counterparts, and passages on social ethics is included. Aristotle finds that he can connect education with the spirit of the laws, and so can speak of the laws as intended, ‘to make the citizens good and just’. This book is ideal for students as it uses political terminology. One’s intellect and social position is called into question, (for instance the mob versus the barrister or the magistrate) is prevalent in this book. This book also covers the analysis of political associations that the statesman makes to order by justice. Different ideas occur if we study the text philosophically in the light of reason, or empirically based on facts. It would certainly be wise to study philosophical texts that explore politics and law if they hold relevant positions of authority. In this book one learns that all subjects may be treated liberally in theory but must be handled in practise as circumstances demand, through the law. Reasons are also explained why some who adopt a political career confine political activity to matters of finance. Socrates says that fortitude and justice are not the same in a woman as a man, and Sophocles says that ‘a modest silence is a woman’s crown’, which is all to do with moral goodness of man (even if it is a bit sexist). Recommended reading would include Professor Adcock’s book on ‘Cambridge ancient history’. This book also says that, with children growing up to be partners in the government of the state, morals and ethics with sound reasoning is vital for a fair and legal justice system. Further reading would also include; Plato’s Republic, that contains information on political associations being a sharing thing that relates to communism. In this book one also looks at different cases of assault, homicide, fighting and slander; offences that are committed against relatives and how they differ from those of natural piety caused by ignorance for instance, and one needs thus properly constituted laws. This book also explores a different order designed by theorists, on ideal forms of government and the ideal state and the establishment of a system of community.

This comprehensive, informative and enlightening read is one that I would recommend to readers of politics, law, philosophy and economics.

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[Matti Meikäläinen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the first works I read (and have re-read) in my introduction to Political philosophy.

[ইসফার তেহামী · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book compiling nearly all of the prominent thoughts of Aristotle's legendary book- The Politics. You can say a review, perhaps. Starting with the significant life events of Aristotle, excluding his Political and Personal relationship with the crown of Mesidonia, this book gradually starts describing the thoughts and concepts of Political Science that have some historical relationships with a time old great philosopher, Aristotle. Then it enters into the main book of Politics by Aristotle. Here the writer do not only translate the bare book, rather explains almost everything where needed. These explanations came in the form of reviews most of the time, but well remarked commentaries along with thoughtfull extensions will welcome you as a student of neo-platonic philosophy. If you read it with an affection towards historical background of different concepts of modern political science you will not merely find it important but also very enjoyable......