Politics

Aristotle famously claims that “man is by nature a political animal” (10). Aristotle views political philosophy as inherently practical: It has real-life applications that can be enacted and utilized to better life for all. This idea corresponds with the concept of man as a political creature. Aristotle views politics as an integral part of what it means to be human. He moves beyond the theoretical and applies a scientific method for examining political nature in the same way that he would scientifically analyze any other natural form.

Aristotle presents several analogies to defend the concept of the city as a natural form. First, he follows a track of humans' natural inclination toward community and association. Households turn into villages; villages turn into cities. Humans seek out other humans because their spirits recognize this as the pathway to achieving happiness. Aristotle argues that political frameworks are at the heart of what the soul is seeking through community. He asserts that happiness can only be found through engaging in political action with others. For the philosopher, these political tendencies are in harmony with nature—humans are born political creatures and naturally seek association, which the city and the political arena of activity provide.