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Western Political Thought

Notes integrated ethical community largely from the vision of Aristotle, seeing society as a whole
and prior to the individual. However, the , totalitarian implications within Marxism-Leninism
had nothing to do with Aristotle’s ideal.
• Aristotle “bequeathed a great legacy to political thought, but not to any one school”. It is for
his range, depth and profundity that intellectuals throughout the world continue to pay
well-deserved homage to Aristotle as “the master to those who know”. He was a great
pioneer in political science, and no discussion is ever complete without a reference to his
brilliant insights and methods of analysis.
4.5 Key-Words

1. Metabolê : Revolution
2. Nomos : Convention
3. Phersis : Nature
4. Phronesis : Practical wisdom
5. Eudaimôn : Happiness
6. Politeia : Constitution

4.6 Review Questions

1. Briefly explain Aristotle’s philosophy.
2. Discuss Aristotle’s classification of state.
3. Analyse Aristotle’s theory of revolution.
Answers: Self-Assessment
1. (i) 2. (ii) 3. (ii) 4. (i)

4.7 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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