In Aristotle’s Politics (Book VII), the philosopher presents an intricate exploration of the city, not merely as a physical location but as a functional entity designed to foster happiness and virtue among its citizens. This conceptualization aligns remarkably with modern understandings of urbanism, where cities are viewed as dynamic spaces that blend social, cultural, political, and aesthetic life. Aristotle’s reflections offer profound insights into how the governance, structure, and purpose of a city contribute to the well-being of its inhabitants—an idea still relevant in contemporary discussions about urban life.

Aristotle begins by emphasizing that the success of a city is measured not by its wealth or military power but by the happiness and virtue of its citizens. He writes, “A city is composed of such persons who are capable of being ruled and of ruling with a view to the virtuous life, and a city ought to be organized for the sake of such lives.” This statement reflects Aristotle’s belief that the city is not merely a location but a function—an organized community where the pursuit of virtue is the primary goal. In this sense, the city’s purpose is to serve its people, ensuring their happiness through a well-structured political system. This view echoes the seminar’s exploration of the city as a multidimensional entity, where social interaction and cultural life are integral to urban success.

One of the most compelling aspects of Aristotle’s analysis is his approach to the size and population of a city. Rather than focusing on physical size or specific strengths like economic wealth or military might, Aristotle suggests that a city’s functionality is determined by the interconnection between its citizens and their pursuit of happiness and virtue. He asserts, “The best limit of the population of a city is that which is the largest number capable of being surveyed in a single view.” For Aristotle, this means that a city’s strength lies not in the magnitude of its population but in its capacity to function harmoniously, ensuring that citizens are actively engaged and virtuous. He adds, “Even if a state is populous, if it lacks order, it is not truly a city.” This idea resonates with contemporary urban theory, where the importance of community engagement and interconnectedness often outweighs sheer size or resources. A city filled with wealth or military power cannot be functional if its people are disengaged and unhappy, a notion that continues to challenge modern city planners and political theorists.

Aristotle’s focus on governance and constitution is another key point, as he emphasizes the importance of ruling and obedience. However, his ultimate concern lies in fostering virtue among the people. “For the city is not merely a community of place; it is a community of virtue,” Aristotle states, stressing that laws and political power are only meaningful if they promote the virtue and happiness of citizens. This principle applies regardless of the type of governance—whether it is a monarchy, oligarchy, or democracy. Aristotle argues that the true measure of governance is its ability to cultivate virtue, stating, “The form of government is of no consequence, provided it be so constituted as to promote the virtue of its citizens.” If a city neglects this focus on the citizens’ virtue, the governance risks degenerating into dictatorship or tyranny. He warns, “Where the end is not virtue, the governance turns into despotism or tyranny.” In this way, the city’s political functions should always serve the greater good, ensuring that the governance systems promote both happiness and personal growth. This concept links closely to the seminar’s discussion of cities as political units, where governance shapes not only the legal structure but also the social and cultural lives of urban inhabitants.

The idea of different classes coexisting fairly within the city is also crucial to Aristotle’s vision. He acknowledges that classes, both financial and ruling, are necessary, but they must engage with one another in a way that fosters harmony and prevents dysfunction. He writes, “Where there are no distinctions between classes, and where there is a lack of harmony, there can be no city at all.” This statement reinforces the need for balance and cooperation between different societal groups, which is essential for a functional city. The modern city, as described in the seminar, is also a place of diverse interaction and expression, making Aristotle’s insights particularly relevant to current discussions of urban equity and inclusivity.

In discussing the physical design of cities, Aristotle takes a highly practical approach. He stresses the importance of location, proximity to water, accessibility for trade, and the necessity of protective walls. “The city must be self-sufficient and must be able to protect itself from danger,” he asserts, highlighting the role of both natural and man-made features in maintaining a secure and prosperous urban environment. In particular, Aristotle emphasizes the need for fresh water to be accessible to all citizens, not only as a matter of comfort but also as an approach to ensuring equal opportunities. He states, “The supply of water should be abundant and easily accessible to all,” linking this necessity to the proper functioning of the city and the fairness of its design. His emphasis on fresh water and defensive structures can be seen in many European cities, particularly in Italy, France, Spain, and Greece, where ancient urban planning incorporated these elements to enhance functionality and equality. This focus on urban design as part of the city’s overall function connects to the seminar’s investigation of how aesthetic and practical considerations intertwine in urban life.

Moreover, Aristotle’s emphasis on the need for an army reflects his belief that a city must always be prepared for external threats. “It is childish to believe there are no enemies. A city must be ready, even if it does not have immediate neighbors.” This assertion speaks to the ever-present reality of political and military competition, a theme that resonates with modern urbanism’s concerns about security and defense in a globalized world. The seminar’s exploration of cities as political units also touches on the necessity of being prepared for external challenges while maintaining internal harmony.

Lastly, Aristotle’s exploration of land division within the city underscores the importance of both public and private spaces. He suggests that cities must have “land in common and land in private hands,” ensuring that both public and private interests are balanced to promote a functional and harmonious society. The division of city land and suburbs plays a critical role in maintaining urban order and protecting the city from external threats. This concept of land distribution aligns with modern ideas about urban planning, where the balance between public and private spaces is key to maintaining vibrant and functional cities.

In conclusion, Aristotle’s Politics offers timeless insights into the nature of cities, governance, and human happiness. His understanding of politics goes beyond the mere administration of laws; it serves as the guiding principle that transforms a city from a physical setting into a living, functional entity. For Aristotle, politics is the art of creating and maintaining a space where citizens can thrive through virtue and engagement. It is this political structure that breathes life into the city, allowing it to serve its true purpose: fostering the happiness and virtue of its people. The city’s physical design—its walls, water, and trade routes—while important, exists only to support the deeper function of creating a just and virtuous society.

By prioritizing the happiness and virtue of citizens, Aristotle’s vision of the city transcends mere physical location, offering a multidimensional perspective that resonates with contemporary urban theory and the themes of this seminar. Politics, in Aristotle’s view, is not about power or wealth but about cultivating the conditions necessary for a flourishing society. His thoughts on governance, class, urban design, and preparedness continue to influence how we think about cities today, making Politics an essential text for anyone studying the political and aesthetic dimensions of urbanism. Aristotle reminds us that the ultimate measure of a city’s success lies not in its size or strength but in the virtue and well-being of its citizens.