Book Three, Sections XIV-XVIII

Ancient

Politics

by ARISTOTLE (384 BCE - 322 BCE)

The Politics, by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, is one of the most influential texts in political philosophy. In it, Aristotle explores the role that the political community should play in developing the virtue of its citizens. One of his central ideas is that "Man is a political animal," meaning that people can only become virtuous by active participation in the political community. Aristotle also criticizes his teacher Plato, classifies and evaluates six different types of constitutions and political institutions, and describes his vision of the ideal state. Aristotle's views on women and slavery are unenlightened by today's standards, but his work remains enduring and relevant to this day. (Summary by Leon Mire)

Listen next episodes of Politics:
Book Eight, Sections I-IV , Book Eight, Sections V-VII , Book Five, Section X , Book Five, Sections I-IV , Book Five, Sections V-VII , Book Five, Sections VIII-IX , Book Five, Sections XI-XII , Book Four, Sections I-IV , Book Four, Sections V-X , Book Four, Sections XI-XIII , Book Four, Sections XIV-XVI , Book Seven, Sections I-III , Book Seven, Sections IV-IX , Book Seven, Sections X-XII , Book Seven, Sections XIII-XIV , Book Seven, Sections XV-XVII , Book Six, Sections I-IV , Book Six, Sections V-VIII