PART III: The Aim of The State &
The Recovery of Political Thought
Session 9
- Topics: Aristotle and The Purpose of Politics
- Reading: Aristotle, "Politics" [Selections]
- Book I: Chapters 1-2 [1252a1-1253a25] (The Polis)
Book II: Chapters 1-5 [1260b27-1264b24] (Unity and Plurality)
Book III: Chapters 1; 6-11 [1274b32-1275b13; 1278b6-1282a41] (Aim of the State)
- Book I: Chapters 1-2 [1252a1-1253a25] (The Polis)
- What does Aristotle believe is distinctive about humans? How is the polis connected to humanity’s nature as a “political animal?” (i.e. if nature makes all things for a purpose, and nothing in vain, then what is humanity’s purpose)? What, then, is the proper function of the human person?
- Why/how does the polis (politics) fulfill this nature? What makes the polis the most complete association [i.e. the most inclusive and self-sufficient (sovereign) association] (Bk I: Ch 1)? What does Aristotle mean by “self-sufficient?” Why is the household incomplete?
- How does Aristotle, making human associations a part of nature, stand in opposition to Antigone who says “human laws [nomos/physis] are inferior to divine laws?”
- Why does Aristotle believe, within the polis, we are most able to fulfill our distinctive capacity for reason through our unique interaction with others? Why does he insist that the purpose of the polis is not just survival and exchange, but can be morally judged according to its ability to help us live virtuously?
- How does Aristotle, in focusing on “plurality” within the city, differentiate himself from Plato’s “Republic’s” focus on “unity” (BK II: 1-5)?
- How does Aristotle define “citizenship?” (BK III, Ch 1)
- Discuss Aristotle’s different forms of constitutions and the various ways they could become corrupt. (BK III, Ch 6-11)
- What does Aristotle mean when he says “the end of the city is not mere life; it is, rather a good quality of life?” (Bk III, Ch 9)
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