Aristotle

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Aristotle tutoring Alexander

Aristoteles Louvre

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Sanzio 01 Plato Aristotle

Aristotle (384–322 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher and polymath during the Classical period in Ancient Greece. Taught by Plato, he was the founder of the Lyceum, the Peripatetic school of philosophy, and the Aristotelian tradition. His writings cover many subjects including physics, biology, zoology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, poetry, theatre, music, rhetoric, psychology, linguistics, economics, and politics. Aristotle's work provided a comprehensive system of Western philosophy, which was unparalleled for centuries.

Life

Aristotle was born in Stagira in 384 BC, in the Chalcidice peninsula of Macedonia. His father, Nicomachus, served as the personal physician to King Amyntas of Macedon. Aristotle's association with the Macedonian court would later serve as a critical influence in his life, particularly his relationship with Alexander the Great.

After his father's death, Aristotle moved to Athens to join Plato's Academy, the foremost center of learning at the time, where he remained for about twenty years. Following Plato's death, Aristotle left Athens and, at the request of Philip of Macedon, tutored Alexander the Great starting from 343 BC.

In 335 BC, Aristotle returned to Athens and established his own school, the Lyceum. For the next twelve years, he conducted courses at the school and wrote most of his works. After the death of Alexander the Great, anti-Macedonian sentiment in Athens increased. Aristotle retired to Chalcis, where he died in 322 BC.

Philosophical Contributions

Aristotle's contributions to philosophy and science include the development of formal logic, the study of biology through systematic empirical observation, and the foundation of ethics as a practical discipline. His metaphysical system incorporates the principles of change and potentiality, which contrasts with the theory of forms proposed by Plato.

Metaphysics

In metaphysics, Aristotle's concept of substance is central. He argued that every physical object is a compound of matter and form, a theory known as hylomorphism. Aristotle also introduced the concept of the Unmoved Mover, a perfect being responsible for the motion and change in the universe.

Biology

Aristotle's work in biology is characterized by his detailed observations and classifications of the natural world. He is often considered the father of zoology due to his systematic study of animals. His works, such as History of Animals, contain descriptions of numerous species, many of which were based on his own observations.

Ethics

In ethics, Aristotle is known for his theory of virtue ethics, which emphasizes the importance of character and virtue in moral philosophy. His most famous work in this area, the Nicomachean Ethics, outlines the concept of the Golden Mean, a desirable middle ground between two extremes.

Politics

Aristotle's Politics is a key text in the history of political thought. He examines the nature of the state, citizenship, and the roles of justice and education in society. Aristotle favored a constitutional government and critiqued both democracy and oligarchy.

Legacy

Aristotle's influence on Western thought is profound. His works became integral to the curriculum of medieval universities and his logic was accepted as the definitive form of reasoning until the 19th century. The Aristotelian tradition continues to influence philosophical discourse and ethical theory in the modern era.