This reading of Aristotle's Politics builds on the insight that the history of political philosophy is a series of configurations of nature and reason. Aristotle's conceptualization of nature is unique because it is not opposed to or subordinated to reason. Adriel M. Trott uses Aristotle's definition of nature as an internal source of movement to argue that he viewed community as something that arises from the activity that forms it rather than being a form imposed on individuals. Using these definitions, Trott develops readings of Aristotle's four arguments for the naturalness of the polis, interprets deliberation and the constitution in Politics as the form and final causes of the polis, and reconsiders Aristotle's treatment of slaves and women. Trott then argues that Aristotle is relevant for contemporary efforts to improve and encourage genuine democratic practices.

'This is a fresh, substantial, and engaging contribution to the ongoing Aristotle revival in political philosophy and theory.'

Stephen Salkever Source: Journal of the History of Philosophy

'Adriel M. Trott offers a meticulous reading of Aristotle’s Politics that challenges many of the prevailing interpretations … this book makes an important contribution to contemporary debates surrounding equality and deliberation in contemporary democracy.'

Catherine Borck Source: The Review of Politics

'Trott’s Aristotle on the Nature of Community is a thought-provoking book that hopefully will encourage debate not only among Aristotelian scholars but also among contemporary political thinkers about questions of citizenship, democracy, and political life. Her work provides a blueprint of how to make Aristotle relevant in today’s world in addressing existing problems like political organization, civic participation, and the purpose of politics itself.'

Lee Trepanier Source: Bryn Mawr Classical Review