Aristotle (384 - 322 BCE) is a Greek philosopher. His contributions span multiple disciplines such as biology, psychology, physics, mathematics, metaphysics, ethics, and politics. Aristotle has opinions on diverse subjects, including objectivity.
One of the most significant figures in Western philosophy, Aristotle has a profound influence on knowledge for over two millennia. Philosopher and polymath, Aristotle is born in Stagira, a small town on the northern coast of Greece.
He's a student of Plato at the Academy in Athens and later becomes tutor to Alexander the Great, who founds Alexandria, Egypt in 331 BCE. Alexander lives a robust life filled with adventure and acclaim until his premature death at age 33.
Aristotle's work is notable for a systematic approach, emphasizing careful observation of the natural world. He is considered one of the earliest champions of empirical research, and one of many who show up throughout history.
Brief Bio
Aristotle's early life has a strong focus on biology, as his father is a physician. This contributes to Aristotle's later research in natural sciences. After studying at Plato's Academy, he leaves Athens and travels extensively, getting to know various cultures and philosophies.
On his return to Athens he establishes his own school, the Lyceum, where he teaches for over a dozen years. He spends his later time on the Greek island Euboea, and continues to write until his death in 322 BCE.
Aristotle's legacy encompasses diverse disciplines leading into modern science, philosophy, and ethics. His method of systematic observation and classification is considered one of the earliest forms of scientific inquiry, although much of it is refuted in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Beliefs of Aristotle
Biology
Aristotle is often called the "father of biology." His observes animals and plants and classifies species based on their characteristics. He distinguishes between different types of life forms and explores concepts such as reproduction, heredity and development.
His work in this area remains influential until the advent of modern biology in the 19th century. He obsesses about the need to study life forms, asserting all living things fit into a specific order.
In his work, "History of Animals," he describes animals based on their characteristics, such as the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates. Aristotle says he's investigating the what (existing facts about animals) before establishing the why (causes of these characteristics).
Four Elements
Aristotle believes matter is made up of of four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. He asserts all things in the material world are a combination of these basic elements, with unique qualities defining each. He believes these elements can change from one to another.
According to Aristotle the four elements are associated with four qualities: Earth (cold and dry), Water (cold and wet), Air (hot and wet), and Fire (hot and dry). All matter consists of these four elements in different combinations.
In the 16th century physician Paracelsus uses a burning log to illustrate this concept. A burning log displays flames (fire), smoke (air), hissing steam (water), and ashes (earth).
Psychology
In Aristotle's opinion, psychology is the study of the psyche (soul). He believes the soul is the essence of life, intimately connected to the body and the source of all living functions. It includes perception, instinct, and thought.
He divides the soul into three parts: the vegetative (associated with growth and reproduction), the appetitive (linked to desires and emotions), and the rational (the seat of reason). This tripartite model opens up diverse paths of reasoning in philosophy.
Aristotle views the psyche (or soul) as the essence of living beings, distinguishing them from inanimate objects. Later psychologists such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, founder of modern spiritual alchemy, build on these foundational concepts.
Physics
Aristotle's physics revolves around the concept of "natural places," asserting that every element has a tendency to reach its appropriate position in the universe. For instance, earth and water naturally move downward, while air and fire move upward.
Aristotle's ideas also encompass motion, causation, and the nature of the universe. Many of his empirical observations are later challenged by the empirical observations of practitioners of modern physics in the 20th century, but he does have staying power until then.
In physics, Aristotle develops the concept of a geocentric universe, wherein Earth is at the center, and everything revolves around it. In 16th century, with the heliocentric system almost a century old, renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe supports this theory with his own version.
A firm believer in empirical science, he says the earth cannot possibly move because if it did, he would feel it. The pitfall of objectivity is that it's often highly subjective. Most of Aristotle's theories in the realm of physics have been refuted.
Mathematics
Aristotle does not do much math but acknowledges its importance as a tool for understanding the world. He sees numbers and geometry as essential for comprehending patterns in nature. His work on mathematics explores the relationships between quantities and spatial forms.
He founds principles of logic, crucial for mathematics. He focuses on deductive reasoning, allowing mathematicians to draw conclusions based on earlier statements. He believes observation and logical thought are necessary for understanding mathematical principles.
Metaphysics
One of Aristotle's most significant contributions is his work in metaphysics, which he defined as the study of "being qua being." Aristotle's metaphysics examine the nature of reality. He explores existence, causality, and the concept of substance.
His notion of the "Unmoved Mover" posits a primary cause or source of all motion and existence. It's still debated among philosophers.
Ethics
Aristotle's ethical philosophy, outlined in "Nicomachean Ethics" emphasizes the pursuit of eudaimonia, often translated as "happiness" or "flourishing." He explains virtue lies in achieving a balance, known as the "Golden Mean," between extremes of character traits.
This approach emphasizes importance of character development and practical wisdom in moral decision-making. Moral virtue is a balance between excess and deficiency, discoverable through reason and experience.
He famously states "the good for man is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue." The virtue theory is a cornerstone of ethical discussions in contemporary philosophy and influences thinkers like Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. Virtue is a subjective concept.
Politics
In "Politics," Aristotle examines human behavior in context of political systems. He advocates a government promoting common good, contrasting tyranny and oligarchy with a balanced polity. His insights into the nature of citizenship, justice and role of the state are still repeated.
Aristotle views humans as inherently social. Thus he says politics is intertwined with ethics, another debatable term. In his work, "Politics," he contends the state exists to promote a good life and citizens must be educated to achieve this goal.
He classifies political systems such as monarchy, aristocracy, and polity, and their corrupt forms. These are still expounded upon in modern governance.
Facts About Aristotle
Prolific Writer: Aristotle writes over 200 texts, of which only a fraction survive. His works cover a wide range of subjects, including natural sciences, ethics, metaphysics, politics, and rhetoric. He also writes up lecture plans, scripts, and study notes for his students.
Influence on Western Thought: Aristotle's ideas profoundly influence Western philosophy, particularly scholasticism during the Middle Ages and scientific inquiry during the Renaissance.
Founding of Logic: Aristotle pioneers formal logic with his development of syllogism, a method of reasoning that forms the foundation of deductive reasoning.
Role of Observation: Unlike his teacher Plato, who emphasizes ideal forms, Aristotle stresses importance of empirical observation in understanding the world.
Enduring Legacy: Aristotle's thoughts on ethics, science, and politics continue to be studied and referenced in modern philosophy, psychology, and policy discussions.
The term "Aristotelian" relates to philosophy or methods influenced by Aristotle's ideas.
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