Aristotle on Nature and Incomplete Substance

by Sheldon M. Cohen

Overview

This book examines Aristotle's metaphysics and his account of nature, stressing the ways in which his desire to explain observed natural processes shaped his philosophical thought. It departs radically from a tradition of interpretation, in which Aristotle is understood to have approached problems with a set of abstract principles in hand, principles derived from critical reflection on the views of his predecessors. This is a major reevaluation of Aristotle's metaphysics that will interest philosophers, classicists, and historians of classical science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521533133
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/30/2003
Pages:	204
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.47(d)

Table of Contents

1. Nature and things; 2. Elemental motion and alteration; 3. Elemental transformation and the persistence of matter; 4. Unity; 5. Living things.

Editorial Reviews

"This book includes interesting discussions of substance, nature, essence, living things, artifacts, parts and wholes, and prime matter, to name just a few topics. Anyone interested in Aristotle's metaphysics and natural philosophy should read it." Choice

"Sheldon Cohen has written a remarkably concise and interesting book on a rather neglected topic within Aristotelian scholarship; namely, incomplete substances and their role in Aristotle's physics and metaphysics." John J. Cleary, Ancient Philosophy

From the Publisher