‘A human being is by nature a political animal.’ Aristotle’s 'Politics' remains one of the most influential works in the history of political theory. Discover how his enduring insights about how we could flourish in a state remain invaluable.
Aristotle (384–322 BCE) continues to have a pivotal place in moral thinking. His work on ethics and politics is one of the first known attempts for a systematic theory, setting the key themes for centuries to come. In particular, his Politics remains one of the most influential works in the history of political theory.
To think about politics with Aristotle is to contemplate the constituents of the happy or well-lived life in the community.
In considerable depth, we study exemplary selections from the Politics, and thus cover central themes in ancient political philosophy. For instance, we consider how states form and the aims that they incorporate, and the nature of constitutions (and why there are more than one). We discuss the reasons why states fail, what measures keep them going, and also why Aristotle regards democracy as a ‘deviant’ constitution. We reflect on the role of citizens, women, and slaves. We think about the happy life and virtue, as well as education.
This is a selection of themes that arise from the text. We try to understand what Aristotle tells us, and then, in a relaxed dialogue, we relate this to our lived experience.
This course is part of the Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) programme.