Aristotle, one of the great disciples of Plato has been hailed as father of political science. His ideas on politics, viz., and social nature of man, rule of law, revolution, citizenship and constitutionalism have remained a matter of considerable significance to political scientists. For, he made the first systematic attempt to base his conclusions on facts, figures and data.
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The contribution of Aristotle can be studied under following heads.
1. Comparative Method:
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Though the comparative approach to politics is of recent origin, it was greatness of Aristotle to use it to study 158 constitutions.
2. Primacy of Law:
According to Prof. ‘Ebenstein, “The concept of rule of law and the constitutional state is perhaps the most important legacy Aristotle has bequeathed to posterity”.
The significance of impersonal nature of law and its efficacy to resolve political conflicts is as pragmatic as ever. In this aspect he greatly influenced Aquinas, Hooker and Locke.
3. Theory of Origin of State:
Aristotle dictum that “Man is a political animal” and his view of natural origin of state have been widely acclaimed to be scientific
4. Positive Functions of the State:
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By saying “state exists not only for the sake of life but also for the sake of good life”, Aristotle wants the state to take care of material as well as moral development of individual. Such view is novel in the sense that even in today’s world states are entrusted with almost the same task.
5. Conservative Thinker:
Aristotle’s favour for retaining the existing institutions continues to influence conservatives.
6. Role of Middle Class:
Aristotle’s analysis of role of the middle class in sustaining political issues in contemporary period
7. Private Property:
Aristotle’s plea for private ownership but common use has come to be accepted as most viable solution to problem of social justice.
8. Autonomy of Politics:
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Aristotle remains the first to make an attempt to separate politics from ethics by use of scientific methods to analyze political issue.
Unlike his master and predecessors, Aristotle engaged himself in analyzing a wide variety of political issues. What was more significant was his use of scientific method. Perhaps this explains the reason why he is hailed as more pragmatic political scientist.