Page 47 - DPOL201_WESTERN_POLITICAL_THOUGHT_ENGLISH

Unit 3: Aristotle’s Life and His Conception of Human Nature and State

data was gathered and theory emerged from an analysis of alternative perceptions. While in Notes
Plato’s metaphysics, the real world, and human understanding and perceptions were
devalued, Aristotle dissected reality empirically in the same fashion as a physician diagnosed
illness and health.
• Aristotle believed that observation was crucial to the study of political phenomena, and the
way changes occurred within it helped us to understand its real nature. Change was
teleological, meaning movement towards the natural predetermined end. A scientist would
look for material, study the structure and its functions, and ask the following questions: Out
of what? What was it? From where and for what sake? In other words, these were the
material, formal, efficient and final causes respectively. While in a conscious action, the final
causes might lie in a purpose beyond the object analyzed in the natural process it was the
emerging form that guided development. Aristotle perceived order as being more important
than disorder, in view of his acceptance of the idea of an in-dwelling nature. He rejected the
argument that change was primary and that all equilibrium analysis was partial and untrue,
for there were real structures in things, the world was a plurality of homeostatic systems
whose basic plan could be discovered and rationally formulated through an analysis of its
structure and functions. As in the case of the world, order was eternal. It was neither imposed
from outside, nor did it evolve. Plato understood change as one that had degenerated from
his ideal.

3.6 Key-Words

1. Praxis : Action
2. Polis : City-state
3. Koinônia : Community
4. Agathos : Good

3.7 Review Questions

1. Discuss life sketch of Aristotle.
2. What is the conception of human nature of Aristotle?
3. Explain Aristotle’s organic theory of state.
4. Write a note on Aristotle’s nature of happiness?

Answers: Self-Assessment
1. (iii) 2. (i) 3. (iii) 4. (iii)
3.8 Further Readings

1. Mukherjee, S. and Ramaswamy, S. 2004: A History of Political Thought, PHI
Learning Pvt. Ltd.
2. Mukhopadhyay, A.K. 1990 Western Political Thought, Calcutta - KP Bagchi and
Company.

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