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Law and the Good Life

On the Political Philosophy of Aristotle
By Robert C. Bartlett
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Brief Description
A fresh reading of the relationship between moral and political philosophy in Aristotle's thought. Our democracies promise the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—at least, within the confines of the law. Yet the law is an ineffective guide to the good life; laws... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$6699
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Releases 8th January 2027 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "Law and the Good Life" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A fresh reading of the relationship between moral and political philosophy in Aristotle's thought.

Our democracies promise the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—at least, within the confines of the law. Yet the law is an ineffective guide to the good life; laws can be arbitrary, even immoral. What other limit, then, should direct us as we pursue our own fulfilment?

In Law and the Good Life, philosopher Robert C. Bartlett examines Aristotle's consideration of this question. Rather than defer to authority, Aristotle invites us to ground ourselves in moral virtue and intellectual fulfilment, an argument he develops in both Politics and Nicomachean Ethics. As political creatures, Aristotle tells us, we are capable of moral action and therefore must embrace that capacity; at the same time, as rational creatures, we must understand what is true, even without regard to action.

In taking these insights together, Bartlett offers a new reading of Aristotle's political philosophy, one he hopes might serve as a prudent lodestar in our own turbulent times.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780226854663

Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 December 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: University of Chicago Press

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 454g

Pages: 304

Collections

Non-Fiction Non-Fiction Pre-Orders Philosophy & Psychology Philosophy & Stoicism Pre-order Books Pre-orders Pre-orders by Release Date Robert C. Bartlett

About the Author

Robert C. Bartlett is the Behrakis Professor in Hellenic Political Studies at Boston College. He is the author or editor of thirteen books, including Aristotle’s Art of Rhetoric, also published by the University of Chicago Press.

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