You’re likely referring to Aristotle and his view on politics. His definition, in essence, boils down to politics being the art or science of governing and organizing a

polis (city-state), aiming for the common good and the best life for its citizens. It’s about how we organize ourselves collectively to live well.  

Is it too simplified? Yes and no. It’s simplified in the sense that it focuses primarily on the polis and its internal affairs. Aristotle’s world was much smaller and more homogenous than the complex nation-states we have today. His definition doesn’t directly address international relations, global economics, or the vast diversity of modern societies. It also assumes a relatively small, participatory citizenry, which isn’t always the case in contemporary politics.  

However, the core idea of politics as the pursuit of the common good remains relevant. Even in vastly different contexts, political systems still grapple with questions of justice, order, and how to best organize society to meet the needs of its members. Aristotle’s emphasis on deliberation, reasoned argument, and the importance of civic virtue are still valuable concepts for understanding political discourse and decision-making. So, while the scope of his definition might be limited, the fundamental principles he highlights continue to resonate.  

Regarding how his presentations (presumably his writings like Politics and Nicomachean Ethics) help with effective debating and argumentation:

Aristotle’s work is a treasure trove of tools for effective rhetoric and argumentation. He systematized the study of logic, identifying common fallacies and outlining principles of valid reasoning. His concepts of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical argument) are foundational to persuasive communication.  

Specifically, his work helps by:

• Providing a framework for constructing arguments: Understanding logical fallacies and the structure of valid arguments allows one to build stronger, more defensible positions.
• Emphasizing the importance of evidence and reason: Aristotle stresses the need to support claims with evidence and sound reasoning, rather than relying on emotional appeals or rhetoric alone.  
• Highlighting the role of ethics in persuasion: Ethos, or credibility, is essential for effective persuasion. Aristotle emphasizes the importance of demonstrating good character and trustworthiness.  
• Encouraging careful consideration of opposing viewpoints: Engaging with opposing arguments and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial for developing robust counter-arguments.
• Developing skills in rhetoric: Aristotle’s work explores different rhetorical strategies, including the use of metaphors, analogies, and other figures of speech to make arguments more persuasive.  

In short, studying Aristotle provides a strong foundation for developing critical thinking skills, constructing well-reasoned arguments, and engaging in productive debate. While the world has changed significantly since his time, the principles of effective communication and argumentation he articulated remain highly relevant.