BOOK 4 Chapter 1 What is Political Science

Chapter 1

1. Introduction: The Need for Comprehensive Knowledge in Political Science

• Analogy to Other Arts and Sciences:
  • Aristotle begins by drawing an analogy between political science and other arts (e.g., medicine, gymnastic training, shipbuilding). Each of these fields requires a comprehensive understanding of what is most fitting for its subject matter.
  • Just as a physical trainer must know what is best for different types of bodies, the political scientist must know what is best for different types of cities and regimes.
  • This emphasizes that the best (or most fitting) solution will vary depending on the specific nature of the subject, just as in other arts.

2. The Political Scientist's Task: Understanding the Best Regime

• Study of the Best Regime:
  • The political scientist must study the best regime, the regime one would "pray for" if external circumstances imposed no limitations (e.g., wealth, geography, population size). This is the regime that would allow the highest form of human flourishing.
• Study of the Fitting Regime:
  • However, Aristotle notes that many cities cannot obtain the best regime due to external constraints. Hence, the political scientist should also study the regime that is best for specific circumstances.
• Study of the Regime Based on Presuppositions:
  • A third responsibility of the political scientist is to study regimes that are based on a presupposition: cities that cannot have the best regime or even the best possible regime given existing conditions must have a regime suited to their poorer circumstances.

3. The Importance of Practicality in Political Science

• Study of the Most Attainable Regime:
  • The political scientist must recognize which regime is most fitting for all cities. Aristotle criticizes political theorists who speak only of the highest or most ideal regime, as well as those who idealize regimes like the Spartan model without considering the needs and realities of other cities.
  • He argues that many thinkers err by either focusing on the regime that is "at the peak" (i.e., perfect but unattainable) or by ignoring practical considerations in favor of praising only one model.
• Practical Considerations:
  • Aristotle advocates introducing a political arrangement that is persuasive and accessible, arising from existing conditions rather than imposing a theoretical ideal on a city. This idea highlights the importance of incremental reform rather than radical overhaul, acknowledging the difficulty of political change.

4. The Political Scientist’s Role in Reforming Existing Regimes

• Importance of Understanding Existing Regimes:
  • Aristotle emphasizes that the task of reforming a regime is just as challenging as creating a new one. Political scientists must be able to assist existing regimes in improving their functionality, even if those regimes are not the best.
• Variety of Regimes:
  • Understanding how many different kinds of regimes there are, and how they can be combined, is essential. Many thinkers incorrectly assume there is only one form of democracy or one form of oligarchy, but there are numerous variations of each regime, and they need to be studied comprehensively.
• Political Expertise:
  • A true political expert must be familiar with the varieties of regimes and be able to assess how laws interact with the specific form of the regime in question.

5. The Relationship Between Laws and Regimes

• Laws and Regimes are Interdependent:
  • Aristotle stresses that laws should be enacted with a view to the regime, not the other way around. Laws must be suited to the type of regime in place, since a regime is defined by the arrangement of offices and the authoritative elements within the city.
  • Different regimes have different goals, and laws must reflect the particular end of the community.
• Importance of Laws in Revealing the Nature of a Regime:
  • Certain laws, especially those that concern how rulers govern and maintain order, are particularly revealing of the nature of the regime. These laws show the regime’s authoritative structure and what it prioritizes in governance.

6. Conclusion: The Need to Study the Varieties of Regimes

• Importance of Regime-Specific Laws:
  • Aristotle concludes by emphasizing the necessity of understanding the varieties of regimes in order to craft laws that are effective and appropriate for each regime. The same set of laws cannot be advantageous for all oligarchies, just as they cannot suit all democracies or other forms of government.
  • The political scientist must study the different types of regimes to ensure laws align with the regime’s goals and structure.

Key Themes and Concepts in Chapter 1:

1. Comprehensive Study of Regimes:
   • The political scientist must study not just the best regime, but also the best regime possible for specific circumstances, the regime that fits poorer cities, and the regime that can be reformed or improved.
2. Practicality in Political Science:
   • Aristotle stresses the importance of practicality: laws and regimes must be adapted to the reality of each city. The goal is to create a regime that is attainable and can evolve from existing structures.
3. Variety of Regimes:
   • Regimes come in many forms and combinations. Understanding these varieties is essential for effective governance and lawmaking.
4. Interdependence of Laws and Regimes:
   • Laws must be made with a regime in mind. The regime defines the distribution of offices and authority, and the laws must reflect the regime’s priorities.

This chapter serves as a philosophical foundation for Aristotle's inquiry into different regimes, highlighting the importance of flexibility and adaptability in political science. It establishes the need for political scientists to study a range of regimes, not just the best, and to craft laws that suit each particular political structure.

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