‘Man is bynature a political animal’

In ThePolitics Aristotle addresses the questions that lie at theheart of political science. How should society be ordered to ensurethe happiness of the individual? Which forms of government are bestand how should they be maintained? By analysing a range of cityconstitutions – oligarchies, democracies and tyrannies – he seeksto establish the strengths and weaknesses of each system to decidewhich are the most effective, in theory and in practice. A hugelysignificant work, which has influenced thinkers as diverse asAquinas and Machiavelli,The Politics remains anoutstanding commentary on fundamental political issues andconcerns, and provides fascinating insights into the workings andattitudes of the Greek city-state.

Theintroductions by T. A. Sinclair and Trevor J. Saunders discuss theinfluence of The Politics on philosophers, itsmodern relevance and Aristotle’s political beliefs. This editioncontains Greek and English glossaries, and a bibliography forfurther reading.