The Politics of Aristotle

Aristotle’s Politics is one of antiquity’s foundational works of political thought, asking what a political community is for, who should count as a citizen and how different constitutions succeed or fail. Drawing on observation of Greek states as well as philosophical argument, Aristotle examines monarchy, aristocracy, oligarchy and democracy, the relationship between household and polis, education, property, justice and the conditions required for a stable civic life.

This edition presents Sir Ernest Barker’s English translation of the Politics, revised for publication and supported by an introduction, notes and appendices. Barker’s rendering has long provided English-language readers with a substantial route into Aristotle’s political vocabulary and arguments. It is particularly useful for readers approaching the text as a work of both ancient Greek political thought and enduring political philosophy.