Dr. Clifford Angell Bates, prof. ucz., a native of Rhode Island, specializes in political science with a focus on political philosophy and theory, including comparative politics, international releations, literature and politics, and American constitutional thought. He is the author of Aristotle’s Best Regime (LSU, 2004) and The Centrality of the Regime for Political Science (WUW, 2016).
The Practice of Business
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
1. Introduction to Goods-Getting and Utility
Aristotle discusses the practical aspects of goods-getting, focusing on the importance of experience and knowledge of regional agricultural conditions and animal rearing.
2. Areas of Expertise in Goods-Getting
Expertise in managing various types of livestock and crops is crucial, as is knowledge in specialized areas like beekeeping and animal husbandry.
3. The Parts of Goods-Getting in its Proper Sense
Goods-getting involves natural forms such as agriculture and animal husbandry, as well as commercial activities like trade, which includes provisioning ships, transporting, and marketing goods.
4. Three Parts of Commerce
Commerce is divided into trade, moneylending, and wage labor, with distinctions between skilled and unskilled labor.
5. Intermediate Goods-Getting
This form of goods-getting includes activities like mining and lumbering, which extract valuable but not directly consumable resources.
6. Evaluating Different Forms of Goods-Getting
Goods-getting activities are assessed based on their risk, physical demands, and moral implications, with some forms being considered more noble or artful than others.
7. References to Existing Works on Goods-Getting
Aristotle cites works by other authors on farming and similar subjects, suggesting that these resources can provide valuable insights into effective goods-getting strategies.
8. The Story of Thales of Miletus
The story of Thales demonstrates how philosophical knowledge can be applied to make substantial profits, illustrating the potential wealth philosophers could achieve if they chose to pursue it.
9. Monopoly as a Universal Strategy
The strategy used by Thales to create a monopoly is highlighted as a powerful method to control supply and demand for significant profit.
10. The Example of the Iron Merchant in Sicily
Aristotle recounts a case where a merchant successfully monopolized the iron supply in Sicily, demonstrating the profitability of such strategies but also their potential to attract negative attention from authorities.
11. Political Application of Goods-Getting Knowledge
Knowledge of goods-getting is not only useful for individuals but also essential for political rulers, particularly in managing city finances and generating necessary revenues.
Key Themes in Chapter 11:
Practical Experience in Goods-Getting: Emphasizes the need for practical experience in managing resources effectively.
Distinctions in Commerce: Outlines the various components of commerce, highlighting the differences in skill and risk involved.
Monopoly and Profit: Discusses how monopolies can be used strategically to maximize profits, both by individuals and cities.
Evaluation of Labor: Analyzes goods-getting activities by their demand on physical labor and their ethical implications.
Political Relevance: Stresses the importance of goods-getting knowledge for political leadership and financial management of cities.
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