The Chain of Change: A Study of Aristotle's Physics VII

by Robert Wardy

Overview

The Chain of Change is the first full-scale philosophical commentary devoted to Aristotle's Physics VII, in which Aristotle argues for the existence of a first, unmoved cosmic mover. This study systematically considers the major issues of the book, and argues for the fundamental importance of Physics VII in our understanding of Aristotelian cosmology and natural science. Physics VII is extant in two versions, and therefore poses special editorial problems. For this reason one of the features of Dr. Wardy's study is the provision of an improved text and translation in both versions. The author's comprehensive comparison of their merits, philosophical and philological, has a significant bearing on our understanding of the nature and evolution of the Aristotelian corpus. The second part of the book is devoted to critical examination of the argument, including one of the most elaborate and challenging in the entire Aristotelian corpus. Throughout, the author concentrates on those points where Aristotle diverges most sharply and provocatively from contemporary presumptions in philosophy and natural science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521714709
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/13/2007
Series:	Cambridge Classical Studies
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	356
Product dimensions:	5.47(w) x 8.86(h) x 0.75(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Part I: Physics VII; Sigla; Authorities cited; The texts: versions α and β; Translations; Part II: Analytical table of contents; 1. Introduction; 2. Moved movers; 3. The varieties of contact; 4. Alteration and reduction; 5. Recapitulation: the two versions; 6. Anti-reductionism: Aristotle and his predecessors on mixture; 7. Unlikely comparisons; 8. Playing with numbers; Bibliography; Index of passages cited; General index.

Editorial Reviews

"Wardy makes his case well, and as he does so he sheds new light on many familiar Aristotelian theses....the book is an important contribution to an unjustly neglected area of Aristotelian studies, and is an example of the close and thoughtful reading of texts that marks the study of ancient philosophy at its best." Owen Goldin, Ancient Philosophy

"...a welcome addition to the scholarly literature on Aristotle. Not only does it illuminate a dark corner, it is a model of proper procedure for textual clarification and explanation." Robert G. Turnbull, Philosophy of Science

From the Publisher