Aristotle+political+community+essay

toc Describe Aristotle's principles for the construction of his "best regime" and evaluate a modern democratic country (such as New Zealand) in light of them. What does this comparison tell us about Aristotle's conception of political community? What does it tell us about our conception of political community? =Instructions= =Resources= include page="Aristotle bibliography" editable="true"
 * Do some research. Read the assigned reading, and read beyond the assigned reading if possible. Take a look at some of the articles and books listed below, or find your own if you think those articles listed below are not helpful.
 * After reading and doing your research, decide on a thesis: e.g., on Aristotle's view modern democratic states fall far short of the best regime, and this implies that his conception of politics is seriously flawed (or not).
 * Summarize Aristotle's argument about the best regime, and then apply it to a modern democratic state. Remember that Aristotle says many different things and that in some cases he might say contradictory or inconsistent things. remember also that the point is to look beyond superficial similarities or differences: Aristotle assumes a 4th century BC context, but he gives reasons for what he says that may be more broadly applicable.
 * Support your view with quotations and citations from Aristotle and on occasion relevant scholarly articles. (But remember scholars often disagree). Do not quote my lectures. Consider potential contrary evidence to your view and explain why it does not refute your argument.
 * The best way of quoting Aristotle is to use the Bekker page number (e.g., Politics 1320b). If you can't find the Bekker page number of a passage, cite by using book and chapter number (e.g., Politics 3.5). It's not very useful to cite Aristotle by page number in whatever book you are using, since there are so many editions.
 * Structure your argument so as to support your thesis. Do not include irrelevant information (like, e.g., who Aristotle was) unless you are trying to use that information to make a point (e.g., Aristotle's views about the best regime were characteristic of his time and place).
 * Your concluding sections may contain your own evaluation of Aristotle's view: e.g., you think that what Aristotle says about the best regime is ridiculous because he misses X Y or Z. A conclusion need not simply repeat something you have already said, unless there is some gain in summarizing.
 * Always give reasons, and always consider potential objections!
 * If you get stuck, don't hesitate to contact the instructor.