Understanding the Definition of Community by Philosophers

The question asks about the first person to define the word “community” specifically as a ‘group established by men having shared values’. This definition points towards a concept of human association based on common goals and ethical foundations.

Let's consider the options provided:

• Khothari: This name is not widely associated with foundational definitions of "community" in Western or major philosophical traditions.
• Kautilya: An ancient Indian philosopher and economist, known for his treatise on statecraft, the Arthashastra. While he discussed the organization of society and the state, his primary focus was on political economy and governance, not typically credited with this specific definition of "community" in Western philosophical terms.
• Aristotle: An ancient Greek philosopher and polymath. In his work, particularly "Politics," Aristotle discussed the nature of human beings as political animals (`zoon politikon`) who naturally form associations. He viewed the city-state (polis) as the highest form of community, established for the sake of the “good life”. His analysis of different forms of association, leading up to the polis, emphasizes shared purpose, values, and participation by citizens (historically, often referring to male citizens). The idea of a community formed by men with shared values aligns closely with Aristotle's framework where the polis is a community of citizens aiming at a common good, built upon shared ethical and political principles.
• Plato: Another influential ancient Greek philosopher, teacher of Aristotle. Plato discussed the ideal state in "The Republic," focusing on justice and the structure of a well-ordered society. While he explored the nature of social organization and the common good, the specific phrasing of the definition given in the question is more directly attributed to the framework presented by Aristotle regarding the practical formation and purpose of communities based on shared values and objectives.

Based on the history of political philosophy and social thought, the concept of community as a group formed by individuals (historically, the term "men" in ancient texts often referred to citizens or members of the political body) united by shared values and aiming at a common good is a cornerstone of Aristotelian thought on the polis and human association.

Therefore, Aristotle is recognized for defining community in terms that resonate with the description provided.