Thinking about Political Things: An Aristotelian Approach to Pacific Life

Andrew Murray

may 2016 · ATF Press

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"Andrew Murray offers us an ingenious and humane reading of Aristotle's Politics. He presents the Politics as its author intended it to be received, as a work that clarifies how we must think about political matters and order our civic communities if we are to bring out the best in our humanity. He does this by blending classical political philosophy with the concerns of contemporary political societies of the Pacific islands: the chapters of the book move back and forth between Aristotle and life in Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia. Murray acknowledges the sharp difference between the classical city and the modern state, and shows what we who live in modern states are in danger of losing if we abandon Aristotle for Hobbes.' Robert Sokolowski, Elizabeth Breckenridge Caldwell Professor of Philosophy, The Catholic University of America 'Andrew Murray offers extensive research, reflection, and deep thought on the political life of Pacific island states and applies Aristotelian political philosophy to Pacific experiences. The book is successful in its aim to explain the political philosophy of Aristotle in a way that is simple yet clear so as to enable Pacific islanders to apply Aristotle's thought to their own issues. Concerns of the three main races of the Pacific namely the Polynesians, Melanesians and Micronesians are well represented in excursions from the main text. While the situations in Fiji and Tonga remain difficult and will need further research, it is worth noting that the thought of democracy in Tonga was initiated by Professor Futa Helu of 'Atenisi, who followed the Greek thinkers. The attempt to understand the political life of the Pacific islands under the light of Aristotle's thought is a huge task. This book is a great contribution to political thinking in the Pacific islands." Soane Patita P Cardinal Mafi, Bishop of Tonga & Niue

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Andrew Murray is Communications Officer for the train driver's union ASLEF.