Book 10 / Chapter 9
Paragraph 12 - The Study of Legislation and Constitutions
Explanation - Part By Part
"Now our predecessors have left the subject of legislation to us unexamined; it is perhaps best, therefore, that we should ourselves study it, and in general study the question of the constitution, in order to complete to the best of our ability our philosophy of human nature."
Aristotle is acknowledging that the topic of legislation—how laws are created, structured, and applied—has not been thoroughly explored by the thinkers who came before him. Since this important subject has been left somewhat untouched, he believes it is necessary for him and his contemporaries to take it on. He ties this study of legislation to the larger goal of understanding human nature, suggesting that the way we organize and govern societies is deeply connected to what it means to live as humans and to live well. Essentially, Aristotle sees this investigation as a crucial piece in completing his philosophical exploration of humanity.
"First, then, if anything has been said well in detail by earlier thinkers, let us try to review it; then in the light of the constitutions we have collected let us study what sorts of influence preserve and destroy states, and what sorts preserve or destroy the particular kinds of constitution, and to what causes it is due that some are well and others ill administered."
Aristotle is suggesting that before diving into his own analysis, it’s important to examine what earlier thinkers have already said about these topics. He wants to take a thorough look at their insights to see if any of their ideas are valuable or relevant. Then, by using the constitutions that have been gathered (these would be examples of political systems or ways of governing), he plans to study the factors that make states or governments thrive or collapse.
Specifically, he aims to understand what helps sustain or ruin different types of constitutions—which means forms of government such as monarchies, democracies, oligarchies, etc. He’s also concerned with why some governments are run well, while others are poorly managed. In short, Aristotle is setting up a detailed investigation into the mechanics of political success and failure, informed by both historical analysis and his own observations.
"When these have been studied we shall perhaps be more likely to see with a comprehensive view, which constitution is best, and how each must be ordered, and what laws and customs it must use, if it is to be at its best."
Aristotle is saying that, once we thoroughly examine and understand the factors that help maintain or destroy different types of governments (or constitutions) and figure out why some of them succeed while others fail, we will be better equipped to judge which type of government is the most ideal. Alongside this, he also aims to determine how a specific government should be structured and what laws, traditions, and practices it must follow in order to function at its highest potential. Essentially, he wants to identify the blueprint for an optimal government and the rules that make it thrive.
"Let us make a beginning of our discussion."
Aristotle is signaling here that he's about to delve into the critical discussion of legislation and constitutions as part of his broader study of human nature and political philosophy. After criticizing earlier thinkers and sophists for not adequately addressing these topics, he believes it’s necessary to undertake this investigation himself. By announcing, "Let us make a beginning of our discussion," he is transitioning into the next phase of his work, where he'll systematically analyze and evaluate how constitutions and laws influence the organization and functioning of states, aiming to define what makes a political system work effectively or fail. This marks the start of a comprehensive exploration of political structures to enhance his understanding of the best way to govern and legislate in order to create a flourishing society.