Aristotle - Politics

Questions for Study and Discussion

Book I, Book II chs. 1-5, Book VII ch. 1, Book VIII ch. 1

1) Why does Aristotle believe that "man is by nature an animal intended to live in a polis?"

2) What are Aristotle's reasons for introducing a treatise on political association with a discussion of the household?  How do political associations differ from other forms of association (for example, a household or a military alliance)? What ends of life are uniquely served by the polis?

3) What is Aristotle's view of slavery?  How does this relate to his conception of human nature and political life?  What do the relationships of master-slave, husband-wife, father-child have in common and how do they differ?  How does Aristotle's view differ from Thrasymachus' argument that might makes right (see The Republic, Book I, 336b-347d)?

4) Examine the arguments of Book I, ch. 13, regarding the distinct and inferior ethical capacities of women, in conjunction with Aristotle's discussion of sex differences among animal.  How do the observations and analytical methods of Aristotle the biologist shape the political theories of Aristotle the philosopher?

5) Consider Aristotle's commentary on Plato's "communist" proposals for the equality of women and for the abolition of the family and of private property (Book II, chs. 2-5).  Has Aristotle identified some critical weaknesses in Plato's utopia?Aristotle, Politics, Book III chs. 1-13, Book IV chs. 1-12

1) According to Aristotle, what is the function of law in a well-ordered state?  (See esp. Book II, ch. 8; Bk. III, ch. 9; Bk IV, ch. 1)  Why is the rule of law superior to the rule of men?

2) What are the advantages of constitutions based on the middle-class? (see Bk IV, ch. 11).

3) How does Aristotle define citizenship, and why does he define it as he does?  Does it seem to you to be a valid and useful definition?  Do you agree that the identity of the state is determined by its constitution?  If not, what is it about a state that you think is the determining factor in defining it?  What do you think Aristotle would have made of the U.S. constitution?

4) How does Aristotle define justice?  Does this conception of justice influence his theory of the state, and if so, how?  How does the ideal Aristotelian ruler differ from the Platonic one? (see esp. Book III, chs. 9, 12-13).

5) Consider the writings of the teacher (Plato) and the student (Aristotle).  In treating the subject of the organization of the state, Plato and Aristotle cover much of the same territory, e.g., education of the citizen, class structure, the nature of justice and "the good."  Yet the Republic and the Politics draw very different conclusions about political organization.  What are the main lines of disagreement here?  Are these differences attributable simply to the distinct methodologies adopted by the two philosophers, or are the very political goals and ideals held by each also divergent?