<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>This paper offers a reexamination of Aristotle’s <italic>Politics</italic> 4, chapter 12–13—the so-called account of polity or the mixed regime. Aristotle suggests that the forthcoming discussion delves into either the optimal governing system in general or the most prevalent form of governance across various cities. However, upon closer examination of <italic>Politics</italic> 4.12–13, a distinct perspective emerges. Working off the account of the <italic>meso</italic> (the middle) of <italic>Politics</italic> 4.11, in 12–13 we are not offered an account of the best practical regime, that is of a specific regime form. Instead, Aristotle presents an account on how regimes can achieve moderation and harmony—that is stability. So instead of an account of a specific regime type, we get an account of what moderates and stabilizes regimes generally.</p>
</abstract>

This paper offers a reexamination of Aristotle’s Politics 4, chapter 12–13—the so-called account of polity or the mixed regime. Aristotle suggests that the forthcoming discussion delves into either the optimal governing system in general or the most prevalent form of governance across various cities. However, upon closer examination of Politics 4.12–13, a distinct perspective emerges. Working off the account of the meso (the middle) of Politics 4.11, in 12–13 we are not offered an account of the best practical regime, that is of a specific regime form. Instead, Aristotle presents an account on how regimes can achieve moderation and harmony—that is stability. So instead of an account of a specific regime type, we get an account of what moderates and stabilizes regimes generally.

“Once Again Into the Breach” of the Debate About “Polity” in Aristotle’s Political Teaching: Another Closer Look at Politics 4 Chapters 12 and 13

Polish Political Science Review

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

This paper offers a reexamination of Aristotle’s Politics 4, chapter 12–13—the so-called account of polity or the mixed regime. Aristotle suggests that the...

“Once Again Into the Breach” of the Debate About “Polity” in Aristotle’s Political Teaching: Another Closer Look at Politics 4 Chapters 12 and 13

Published Online: Jun 20, 2023

Page range: 1 - 13

Received: Dec 01, 2022

Accepted: May 10, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ppsr-2023-0001

Keywords
Aristotle’s Politics, regime, best regime, Aristotle, constitutions, polity, middle class, mixed regime

© 2023 Clifford Angell Bates, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

“Once Again Into the Breach” of the Debate About “Polity” in Aristotle’s Political Teaching: Another Closer Look at Politics 4 Chapters 12 and 13

Published Online: Jun 20, 2023

Page range: 1 - 13

Received: Dec 01, 2022

Accepted: May 10, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ppsr-2023-0001

KeywordsAristotle’s Politics, regime, best regime, Aristotle, constitutions, polity, middle class, mixed regime

© 2023 Clifford Angell Bates, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
Aristotle’s Politics, regime, best regime, Aristotle, constitutions, polity, middle class, mixed regime