Politics: Books I and II (Clarendon Aristotle Series) (Bks.1 & 2)

The Politics is one of Aristotle's most important works, having had an inestimable influence on political thought up until the present day. This volume provides a clear and accurate translation of the first two books together with helpful philosophical commentary. "This new translation of one of the fundamental texts of Western political thought combines strict fidelity to Aristotle's Greek with a contemporary English prose style. Lord's intention throughout is to retain Aristotle's distinctive style. The accompanying notes provide literary and historical references, call attention to textual problems, and supply other essential information and interpretation. A glossary supplies working definitions of key terms in Aristotle's philosophical-political vocabulary as well as a guide to linguistic relationships that are not always reflected in equivalent English terms. Lord's extensive introduction presents a detailed account of Aristotle's life in relation to the political situation and events of his time and then discusses the problematic character and history of Aristotle's writings in general and of the Politics in particular. Lord also outlines Aristotle's conception of political science, tracing its relation to theoretical science on the one hand and to ethics on the other. In conclusion, he briefly traces the subsequent history and influence of the Politics up to modern times."--Publisher's description. 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. Cover Title Page Copyright Acknowledgements CONTENTS Guide to Translation and Commentary Introduction References and Abbreviations TRANSLATION Book I Book II COMMENTARY Book I Book II Appendix: The Alleged Oligarchic Bias in Plato's Laws List of Departures from the Oxford Classical Text Bibliography Selective Glossaries Selective Index

Intellectually stimulating work describes the ideal state and ponders how it can bring about the most desirable life for its citizens. Famed Jowett translation of Aristotle's masterwork.