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"There is a problem as to what part of the state is to have authority, since surely it is either the multitude, or the rich, or decent people, or the one who is best of all, or a tyrant. But all of these apparently involve difficulties. How so?" (Politics, pp. 82)

Politics

Author: 

Aristotle

384 BCE – 322 BCE

Aristotle is a towering figure of ancient Greek philosophy, and his influence has been so prominent and so lasting that during some periods of Western history, he is referred to not by name but simply by the title "The Philosopher."  Although he was Plato's student, he matches and perhaps even outshines his predecessor, and it is difficult to think of an area of philosophical thinking that he has not substantially helped to shape. 

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