Comparing Philip II And Aristotle's Politics

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There is the greatest pleasure in doing a kindness or service to friends or guests or companions, which can only be done when a man has private property. These advantages are lost by the excessive unification of the state… No one, when men have all things in common, will any longer set an example of liberality or do and liberal action; for liberality consists in the use a man makes of his own property (Brophy, Cole et al. pg. 139). In Aristotle’s work “Politics” he speaks to an audience of morally good men. His point is to show who a natural ruler is, how to conduct oneself properly for progression, what kind of government is best, and why a state exists. Being a student of Plato for more than 20 years, gave Aristotle great knowledge and …show more content…

Philip II son Alexander the Great had Aristotle as a tutor for many years and opened young Alexanders eyes to his philosophies of the world along with studying physics, chemistry, biology, zoology, logic and ethics. Alexander became an incredible King and conqueror of many wars. This makes us wonder if Aristotle’s teachings helped Alexander in his wars with persuasion, treatment of hostages and the lineup of his army. Alexander the Great had an ultimate goal of uniting the known world and bring Greek ideals to all known Nations. Did Philip II believe that by bring Aristotle on as a tutor to Alexander that he could teach him ways to rule that could conquer all? The effects that Aristotle had on Alexander could be great. In the document heading for “Politics” it says, “Aristotle also believed however, that the greatest degree of human happiness could be achieved only in the context of a properly ordered and governed city-state, the formation and characteristics of which are the focus of the Politics. (p. 138)” Harmony among people seems to be the common theme in Aristotle’s “Politics”. The desire he had for proper conduct among husbands and wives, cities and governments and the rich, mean and poor give us an insight into how he imagined a harmonious civilization would