Politics

How does Aristotle define freedom? How does his definition differ from modern interpretations of freedom?

How might a government create a framework for advancing a virtuous life? What elements would be necessary to contribute to the common good?

How does Aristotle justify the subjugation of specific groups of people? How does his rationale align with, or differ from, modern justifications for discrimination and/or supremacy?

What form of government as described by Aristotle best represents your own government? Does your political body represent one or multiple forms of constitutions? How would Aristotle critique this government?

Aristotle believed that political actions and the pursuit of a virtuous life lead to self-actualization. How does his philosophy on self-actualization compare with other philosophers’ views? How does his philosophy contrast with the psychological theory by Abraham Maslow describing a hierarchy of needs?

Apply Aristotle’s theories about moderation in virtue and politics to modern political discourse. How might the current political climate change if moderation were applied? What, if any, extremes currently threaten the “golden mean” Aristotle advocates?

Why does Aristotle claim that a middle class is vital to the success of a government? What implications does this have for contemporary social systems?

How do tyrannies and monarchies differ from one another? Where do modern leaders fall between these two extremities?