Aristotle provided many brilliant insights into the political thinking, strategy, of leaders and the military. In many ways, it remains unsurpassed and it ought to be required reading in undergraduate classes on political strategy. Aristotle referred to leaders of each city-state over decades, if not centuries. Brilliant and merits an A+.
Politics: A Treatise on Government
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40 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I found that Aristotle provided many brilliant insights into the political thinking, strategy, of leaders and the military. In many ways, it remains unsurpassed and it ought to be required reading in undergraduate classes on political strategy. On the downside, Aristotle referred to leaders of each city-state over decades, if not centuries, and, this made it difficult for at least this reader to fully appreciate the relevance and examples offered in this text. Brilliant and merits an A+.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This Kindle edition is a no-frill version of the book, but is acceptable. It is the translation by William Ellis that was originally published in 1912. There is no table of contents or footnotes in this book, but there is an index that is not hyper-linked. With the format and content of this book, I saw no need for these features, especially since one could easily do a search for the desired locations for references.
The work itself is very interesting. I had read Aristotle's Ethics not too long ago and recognized his distinctive style of categorizing things in very logical ways. I would recommend reading Plato's works on politics prior to reading this book since the author spends a lot of time critiquing his works. He also refers to a lot of historical figures, so a good background in Greek history may be useful, though not necessary.
I found his descriptions of governments to fit well with small city-states as were common in ancient Greece. He did not go into a lot of detail on how to adapt these governments to the scale we are used to today.
Overall, this book is a good read for anyone interested in politics. Several principles he covers are valid today and one can learn much from his thoughts. One must read it with the understanding that he lived in a totally different world where slavery was acceptable and universal suffrage was considered dangerous. Therefore his definition of a democracy varies quite a bit from the modern definition. I'm also surprised by how much he feels government should get involved in peoples lives, including what and how to teach children and determine for them which career they should be in. Shades of Plato, though not as extreme.
The work itself is very interesting. I had read Aristotle's Ethics not too long ago and recognized his distinctive style of categorizing things in very logical ways. I would recommend reading Plato's works on politics prior to reading this book since the author spends a lot of time critiquing his works. He also refers to a lot of historical figures, so a good background in Greek history may be useful, though not necessary.
I found his descriptions of governments to fit well with small city-states as were common in ancient Greece. He did not go into a lot of detail on how to adapt these governments to the scale we are used to today.
Overall, this book is a good read for anyone interested in politics. Several principles he covers are valid today and one can learn much from his thoughts. One must read it with the understanding that he lived in a totally different world where slavery was acceptable and universal suffrage was considered dangerous. Therefore his definition of a democracy varies quite a bit from the modern definition. I'm also surprised by how much he feels government should get involved in peoples lives, including what and how to teach children and determine for them which career they should be in. Shades of Plato, though not as extreme.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By David H
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
As an engineer I missed the classics in undergrad and I'm going back to get them piecemeal. This is amazing. Aristotle reads like today's headlines. With a little bit of reasoning by analogy you can see that in its essence the economy hasn't changed in 2000 years.
I am attracted to folks who can explain complex ideas simply and Aristotle seems able to do that. Some of the stuff is outdated (for example his opinion on marriage) but helps explain other literature.
His take on government is fascinating. In his opinion there are only three forms of government divided into two classes. The two classes are more important than the three forms in that the classes determine who benefits from the rule. You'll have to read the book to find out the rest.
I am attracted to folks who can explain complex ideas simply and Aristotle seems able to do that. Some of the stuff is outdated (for example his opinion on marriage) but helps explain other literature.
His take on government is fascinating. In his opinion there are only three forms of government divided into two classes. The two classes are more important than the three forms in that the classes determine who benefits from the rule. You'll have to read the book to find out the rest.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Property rights, slavery, money-making, taxes, etc. - Just a few of the topics Aristotle covers. It is generally assumed that politics as a sport is a modern idea. Not so. Many of the journal articles and political books I have read, although empirical, are just regurgitating the ideas and observations of Aristotle. Among books from whence modern political philosophies and arguments stem, this is a must read. Your eyes will be opened as you begin to realize Aristotle's dilemmas are very similar, if not the same, to the dilemmas nations face today.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Agatha Doyle
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I cannot speak highly enough about this book. If you are interested in politics or government this is a must-read!
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have purchased many books from politics to classics to cooking to preparing salads to history to read on my travels so that I can enjoy reading books that I enjoy reading. I am very happy with this purchase.
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Why choose this rating - The product is EXcellent
What did you dislike - Nothing
To whom would you recommend this product - Anyone interested
What did you dislike - Nothing
To whom would you recommend this product - Anyone interested
By NHC
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
One of the best I have read on this subject.
Much better than some of the modern approaches - which are generally too "self-important" writings.
Much better than some of the modern approaches - which are generally too "self-important" writings.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Painful
Every once in awhile you see a book you want to tackle. "Politics and Poetics" by Aristotle was one such book for me. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Natalie
4.0 out of 5 stars
As advertised and arrived in a timely fashion. (Here are a few more...
As advertised and arrived in a timely fashion. (Here are a few more words to meet the word limit, ok).
Published 3 months ago by T. Simkins
4.0 out of 5 stars
For collection
I was taking a philosophy class at college and had to write some papers. These proved to be helpful during the class.
Published 6 months ago by ash919
2.0 out of 5 stars
Lacks credibility
So unashamedly biased that it lacks credibility. Her efforts to convince the reader of Putin's corruption were overly apparent in her prose. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Janelle
