Aristotle's Political Philosophy

Aristotle’s Political Philosophy offers a concise and accessible overview of Aristotle’s political thought in his Nicomachean Ethics, Politics, and Rhetoric.

Aristotle’s writings on politics are known for their legendary complexity and contradictions. In Aristotle’s Political Philosophy, renowned scholar Mark Blitz draws connections between the Nicomachean Ethics, Politics, and Rhetoric to explain how these texts relate and interact with each other. Throughout the book, Blitz examines the foundations of political action, devoting special attention to Aristotle’s understanding of virtue, justice, slavery, education, friendship, statesmanship, and speech. In doing so, Blitz clarifies the central ethical and political concepts presented throughout these works to articulate how these texts, together, advance a coherent political philosophy.

After offering a comprehensive analysis of Aristotle’s political thought, Blitz ultimately argues that Aristotelian philosophy remains fundamental for understanding modern political opinions, practices, and institutions.

Author Biography

Mark Blitz is the Fletcher Jones Professor of Political Philosophy at Claremont McKenna College. He is the author of numerous books, including Reason and Politics.