This core concept video focuses on aristotles work, the politics, and examines his discussion in book 1 which traces out the development of human communities from the. Since one extreme is generally worse than the other, its best to aim for the lesser of the evils. We will begin with the natural beginning of the subject. Aristotle himself discusses it in book ii, chapter 3 of the physics and book i, chapter 3 of the metaphysics. Purchase a copy of this text not necessarily the same edition from. Aristotle concludes book ii by saying that, in light of whats been discussed, its hard work to be excellent. The internet classics archive politics by aristotle. Much of this chapter is given over to critical analysis of utopian ideas as to the best state and constitution, and of actual existing states.
Rulers should aim to direct as many citizens as possible toward good, whether in the form of societal order, greater wisdom, or other positive goals. The annenberg cpbproject provided support for entering this text. Chapter summary for aristotles politics, book 2 chapters 1 12 summary. Summary book 2, chapter 1 throughout the book, aristotle seeks a model for the best government. The members of a state must either have 1 all things or 2 nothing in. Aristotle, politics book 1 from the family to the city.
Since then we propose to inquire what civil society is of all others best for those who have it in their power to live entirely as they wish, it is necessary to examine into the polity of those states which are allowed to be well governed. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of politics and what it means. In can often be difficult to sort out the main point that aristotle intends to make in book ii of the politics because it is just a running commentary about the good and bad aspects of different theoretical and actual regimes. Now as a community of wives is attended with many other difficulties, so neither does the cause for which he would frame his government in this.
Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. The word telos means something like purpose, or goal. Find a summary of this and each chapter of politics. Aristotles politics book ii summary and analysis gradesaver. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans. And since we take for our special consideration the study of the form of political community that is the best of all the forms for a people able to pursue the most ideal mode of life, we must. Still, the comments that aristotle makes about the various regimes reveal some of aristotle s own ideas of the best. Our purpose is to consider what form of political community is best of all for those who are most able to realize their ideal of life.
He who thus considers things in their first growth and origin, whether a. Aristotle conducts his philosophical inquiries based on the presuppositions that the universe is a rational and ordered whole in. Summary book 1, chapter 1 aristotle outlines the relationship between rulers and ruled in the ancient world, noting, every state is a community of some kind. Aristotles politics book i summary and analysis gradesaver. Politics full audio book by aristotle 384 bce322 bce translated by benjamin jowett 18171893 the politics, by the ancient greek philosopher aristotle, is one of the most influential texts. He defines a city as a community that seeks some sort of good. A discussion of the ideas found in aristotles politics, book 2. Politics aristotle translated by benjamin jowett batoche books kitchener 1999. Politics book i lyrics i every state is a community of some kind, and every community is established with a view to some good. Book i of the politics provides the reader with insight into aristotle s philosophical method as well as his views on human nature. It is best to study these matters by looking at their natural origins. Pdf the second book of aristotles politics francisco l. Cities are made up of groups of people living in a particular place.