Citing Aristotle’s Politics: A Complete Guide for Academic Writing
Understand the importance of properly citing Aristotle’s politics
Aristotle’s politics stand as one of the virtually influential works in political philosophy, continue to shape discourse thousands of years after its creation. When incorporate this classical text into academic writing, proper citation is essential not solely for avoid plagiarism but besides for establish scholarly credibility. This guide provides comprehensive instructions for cite Aristotle’s politics across major citation styles, address the unique challenges present by ancient texts.
General principles for cite classical texts
Before diving into specific citation formats, it’s important to understand several principles that apply when cite ancient works like Aristotle’s politics:
Standard reference systems
Classical texts typically use standardized reference systems that remain consistent across different editions and translations. For Aristotle’s politics, citations traditionally include book numbers (in roman numerals )and chapter / section numbers ( ( araArabicmerals ),)requently follow by bekkBeckerbers.
Becker numbers explain
Becker numbers, name after the classical scholar Immanuel Becker, provide a universal reference system for Aristotle’s works. These numbers consist of page numbers from Becker’s 1831 Greek edition of Aristotle, follow by column letters (a or b )and line numbers. For example, “” litics 1.2.1252b27 30 ” ” er to book 1, chapter 2, bekkBeckere 1252, column b, lines 27 30.
Translations and editions
When cite Aristotle’s politics, you should acknowledge both the original work and the specific translation you’re use. Different translations may have varying interpretations, make this information crucial for readers who wish to verify your references.
Citing Aristotle’s politics in MLA format
The modern language association (mMLA)style is usually use in humanities disciplines. Here’s how to cite arAristotle politics in mlMLAormat:
In text citations
For in text citations in MLA, include the book and chapter / section numbers, follow by the Becker numbers if relevant:

Source: mybookmanager.in
” aAsaAristotleargue,’ man is by nature a political animal’ ” politics 1.2.1253a1 3 ))
If you mention Aristotle in the sentence, you can merely include the reference information in parentheses:
Aristotle define citizenship in terms of participation in judicial and deliberative functions (politics 3.1.1275a22 23 )
Works cited entry
In the works cited page, format the entry as follows:
Aristotle.
Politics
. Translate by [[ranslator’s name ]][ p[lisher ], ]pub[cation year ].
]
For example:
Aristotle.
Politics
. Translate by c.d.c. reeve, hHackettpublishing company, 2017.
Citing Aristotle’s politics in APA format
The American psychological association (aAPA)style is principally use in social sciences. Hera’s how to cite arAristotle politics in apAPAormat:
In text citations
For in text citations in APA, include the date of the translation you’re use, follow by book, chapter, and Becker numbers:
Aristotle (trans. 2017 )argue that the state exist by nature ( (litics 1.2.1252b ).)
Instead:
The concept of natural slavery is controversial in Aristotle’s political theory (aAristotle trans. 2017, 1.5.1254a )
Reference list entry
In the references page, format the entry as follows:
Aristotle. (year of translation )
Politics
(translator’s name, trans. ) Publisher. ( (iginal work produce ca. 350 bceBCE)
For example:
Aristotle. (2017 )
Politics
(c.d.c. reeve, trans. ) Hackett publishing company. ( (iginal work produce ca. 350 bceBCE)
Citing Aristotle’s politics in Chicago style
The Chicago manual of style offer two documentation systems: notes bibliography and author date. The notes bibliography system is more common for cite classical texts.
Notes bibliography system
Footnote or EndNote
For the first citation in a footnote or EndNote:
1. Aristotle,
Politics
, trans. Benjamin jJewett((eNew Yorkmodern library, 1943 ))3.5.1278b.
For subsequent citations:
2. Aristotle,
Politics
, 4.1.1288b.
Bibliography entry
Aristotle.
Politics
. Translate by bBenjaminjJewett NNew York modern library, 1943.
Author date system
In text citation
(aAristotle1943, 1.2.1252a )
Reference list entry
Aristotle. 1943.
Politics
. Translate by bBenjaminjJewett NNew York modern library.
Citing Aristotle’s politics in Harvard style
Harvard style, popular in UK academic institutions, follow these formats for cite Aristotle’s politics:
In text citations
(aAristotle [[ear of translation ]][ b[k].[chapter].[bekkBeckerbers ] )]
For example:
Aristotle defines the city state as a natural community( Aristotle, 1998, 1.2.1252b).
Reference list entry
Aristotle ([ year of translation ])
Politics
, translate by [[ranslator’s name ]][ p[ce of publication ]: ]pub[sher ].
]
For example:
Aristotle (1998 )
Politics
, translate by c.d.c. reeve. Indianapolis: hHackettpublishing company.
Special considerations for citing Aristotle’s politics
Handle multiple translations
If you consult multiple translations of Aristotle’s politics in your research, you should cite each translation individually. When compare translations direct, identify each translator clear:
” wWhilejJewetttranslate this passage as’ man is by nature a political animal’ ((olitics 1.2.1253a1 3 ))reeve render it as’ human beings are by nature political animals’ ( p(itics 1.2.1253a1 3 ). )
Cite ancient Greek text
If you’re work with the original Greek text, indicate this in your citation:
For MLA:

Source: press.thomasmorecollege.edu
Aristotle.
Political
. Edit by w.d. rRoss oxford classical texts, 1957.
For in text citations, you might write:
The original Greek term” pPolis” ( πόλις )appear repeatedly ( (iAristotle
Political
1.1.1252a).
Cite commentaries and collections
If you’re citedAristotlee’s politics from a collection or with accompany commentary, include both the editor and translator:
Aristotle. ” Politics. ” In
The complete works of Aristotle: the revised oxford translation
, edit by jJonathanbbarns translate by b. JoJewettvol. 2, prPrinceton Universityress, 1984, pp. 1986 2129.
Digital and online sources of Aristotle’s politics
Citing electronic editions
When cite electronic editions of Aristotle’s politics, include the relevant electronic publication information:
Aristotle.
Politics
. Translate by bBenjaminjJewett the internet classics archive, mMIT http://classics.mit.edu/aristotle/politics.html. Access 15 jJuly2023.
Perseus digital library
The Perseus digital library is a valuable resource for classical texts. When cite Aristotle’s politics from Perseus:
Aristotle.
Politics
. Perseus digital library, edit by gGregoryr. Crane, tufts university, www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=perseus:text:1999.01.0058. Access 15 jJuly2023.
Common mistakes to avoid when citing Aristotle
Neglecting Becker numbers
One of the well-nigh common mistakes is omittBeckerker numbers, which are crucial for precise reference to specific passages. Invariably include these numbers when available, as they allow readers to locate your references disregardless of which translation they’re use.
Confusing book and chapter numbers
Aristotle’s politics is divide into eight books, each contain multiple chapters. Be careful not to confuse book numbers (typically in roman numerals )with chapter numbers ( ( araArabicmerals ).)he correct format is [ bo[].[chapter].[bekkeBeckerer ].
]
Fail to acknowledge translations
Different translations can vary importantly, sometimes alter the interpretation of key passages. Invariably specify which translation your use in your bibliography or works cite page.
Practical examples for different academic contexts
Undergraduate essays
For undergraduate work, a simplified citation approach may be acceptable:
” aAristotledefine the city state as exist’ for the sake of live intimately’ ” politics 1.2.1252b30 ))
In the bibliography:
Aristotle.
Politics
. Translate by c.d.c. reeve, hHackettpublishing company, 2017.
Graduate level research
For graduate work, more precise citations are expected:
” aAristotles conception of natural slavery ((Ïσει δοῦλος ))ppear in politics 1.5.1254a21 24, where he claclaimsme people are course suit to be rule. ”
In the bibliography, include more detailed publication information and perchance note the original Greek edition consult.
Journal articles
For scholarly publications, adhere rigorously to the journal’s preferred citation style and include complete information about the translation and edition use. Many classical journals have specific guidelines for cite ancient texts.
Conclusion: best practices for citing Aristotle’s politics
Citing Aristotle’s politics aright demonstrate scholarly rigor and help readers locate and verify your references. Remember these key principles:
- Invariably include book and chapter numbers, along with Becker numbers when possible
- Specify which translation you’re use
- Follow the citation style guidelines require by your institution or publication
- Be consistent in your citation format throughout your work
- When compare translations or interpretations, distinctly identify each source
By follow these guidelines, you ensure that your engagement with Aristotle’s political thought is decently document, allow readers to follow your analysis and contribute to the ongoing scholarly conversation about this foundational text in political philosophy.
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