Book 10 / Chapter 9
Paragraph 10 - The Art of Legislation and Statesmanship
Explanation - Part By Part
"Must we not, then, next examine whence or how one can learn how to legislate? Is it, as in all other cases, from statesmen? Certainly it was thought to be a part of statesmanship."
Aristotle is asking an important question: If we want to learn how to create good laws and govern wisely (what he calls "legislating"), where should we look for guidance? Should we learn it from people who are statesmen—those actively involved in leadership and governance? After all, in Aristotle's time, people generally viewed legislating as an essential aspect of being a good statesman. He’s essentially setting the stage for a deeper investigation into where this knowledge comes from and how one becomes proficient in it.
"Or is a difference apparent between statesmanship and the other sciences and arts? In the others the same people are found offering to teach the arts and practising them, e.g. doctors or painters; but while the sophists profess to teach politics, it is practised not by any of them but by the politicians, who would seem to do so by dint of a certain skill and experience rather than of thought;"
Aristotle is raising an interesting distinction here. In most crafts or sciences, like medicine or painting, the same people who practice them are also the ones qualified to teach them. For example, a trained doctor not only treats patients but could also teach someone how to practice medicine. However, when it comes to politics or statesmanship, this pattern doesn’t seem to hold. The sophists (essentially, traveling teachers at the time who claimed to teach political skill) claim to teach politics, but they are not the ones actually practicing it. Instead, politicians—the ones actively governing and managing public affairs—seem to rely more on practical skill and experience rather than formal theoretical knowledge or systematic teaching. This observation highlights a tension between theory and practice in political life.
"for they are not found either writing or speaking about such matters (though it were a nobler occupation perhaps than composing speeches for the law-courts and the assembly), nor again are they found to have made statesmen of their own sons or any other of their friends."
Aristotle is pointing out a curious inconsistency in his time: those who are actively involved in politics (the politicians) do not seem to spend their time formally teaching or writing about the principles of politics, which would arguably be a much more valuable and noble activity than, say, composing persuasive speeches for use in courtrooms or public assemblies. Furthermore, these political figures don't appear to pass on their political expertise to their own children or close associates. You would expect them to share such valuable knowledge—after all, what could be more important than passing on the skills of good governance to ensure the well-being of their loved ones and the community? This raises questions about how political wisdom is truly gained and transmitted, and whether it comes more from practice or theory.
"But it was to be expected that they should if they could; for there is nothing better than such a skill that they could have left to their cities, or could prefer to have for themselves, or, therefore, for those dearest to them."
Aristotle is pointing out a curious inconsistency here: if the skill of statesmanship or legislating could truly be taught, wouldn't we expect those who possess it to pass it on to their own children, loved ones, or fellow citizens? After all, the ability to excel in governing or crafting good laws is one of the most valuable contributions one could make to their community or ensure for one's own legacy. If this were possible, surely politicians or statesmen would prioritize sharing and teaching this invaluable skill to those closest to them. The fact that they don't seem to do this raises doubts about whether this ability is something that can be straightforwardly taught, like other arts or sciences.
"Still, experience seems to contribute not a little; else they could not have become politicians by familiarity with politics; and so it seems that those who aim at knowing about the art of politics need experience as well."
Aristotle is emphasizing here that experience plays a significant role in understanding and mastering the art of politics. It's not something that can be entirely learned from books or theoretical teaching alone. People who become skilled politicians often gain their abilities through direct engagement and practice within the political realm, learning from real-life situations and their outcomes. Therefore, anyone who aspires to truly comprehend and excel in the craft of politics needs not just theoretical knowledge but also firsthand experience to develop the necessary expertise.