Department
Political Science
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
3-2016
Abstract
Although Aristotle’s ideal regime discussed in books seven and eight of his Politics seems much more feasible and less utopian than the regime outlined in Plato’s Republic, a few scholars have questioned its feasiblity in light of the real world demands of politics. Similarly, I argue that carefully considered his ideal regime turns-out not to be feasible or a practical recommendation for politics, but rather a thought experiment like Plato’s Republic meant to show the limitations of what is politically achievable. I do so by comparing his ideal regime to his prior discussions of democracy in the earlier books of the Politics and in particular what he considered the best type of democracy.
Publication Title
Southwest Political Science Conference
Publisher Statement
This paper was presented at the Southwest Political Science Conference, Las Vegas, in March 2016.
Recommended Citation
Thomason, Steven, "Aristotle's Ideal Regime as Utopia" (2016). Presentations and Lectures. 6.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/lecture/6
Included in
Ancient Philosophy Commons, Classical Literature and Philology Commons, Models and Methods Commons, Political Theory Commons