Politics

The eighth and final Book is shorter and devoted to a city’s approach to education, particularly after students reach the age of seven. For the philosopher, education represents the future and stability of a constitution. The type of education must align with the form of the constitution. Different virtues inform several types of character, and those types of character are reflected in the different forms of government. Education appeals to two of the three elements described in Book 7: habit and reason. Educational systems should create the opportunity for students to develop habits of character that promote the purpose and function of the governmental body. Aristotle’s description here serves as a basis for civic education which promotes the idea that education should help advance the roles of students as future citizens. Schooling cannot be left up to families or private institutions because cities must ensure that the characteristics endowed to students contribute to the permanence of the constitution.

Aristotle argues that individuals cannot and do not belong solely to themselves. They are a part of a larger body, the city, which shares the same singular aim as the individual. Subjects to be studied should reflect that aim.