Book 7: Chapter 2, Territory, Defence & Leisure Summary and Analysis

The author continues along the same general topic. The sections that combine to make this second chapter include multiple subtopics as indicated above. He addresses issues by virtue of their primacy and potential impact upon the surrounding environment.

He covers the matter by looking at defense of the city itself. The lay of the land and the type of government actually have a direct influence of the way that the terrain needs to be defended. Aristotle explains that while open flat lands are best for democracy, a citadel suits an oligarchy whereas an aristocratic type of governance requires what the philosopher calls a multiplicity of strongholds or other secured locations designed to support the strength of the others. This is another point that readers will find either fascinating and enlightening or simply a...