Aristotle
The Desire to Understand

In this 1988 book, Professor Lear introduces Aristotle's philosophy and guides us through the central Aristotelian texts.

Jonathan Lear (Author)

9780521347624, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 February 1988

342 pages
22.6 x 15 x 2 cm, 0.48 kg

"As a general introduction to Aristotle for the intellectually curious, it will not be superseded for years to come. Professionals too will find much to excite and stimulate them; occasionally, too, they may find something to infuriate: but that is all to the good." R.J. Hankinson, ISIS

This is a 1988 philosophical introduction to Aristotle, and Professor Lear starts where Aristotle himself starts. The first sentence of the Metaphysics states that all human beings by their nature desire to know. But what is it for us to be animated by this desire in this world? What is it for a creature to have a nature; what is our human nature; what must the world be like to be intelligible; and what must we be like to understand it systematically? Through a consideration of these questions Professor Lear introduces us to the essence of Aristotle's philosophy and guides us through the central Aristotelian texts - selected from the Physics, Metaphysics, Ethics, Politics and from the biological and logical works. The book is written in a direct, lucid style which engages the reader with the themes in an active, participatory manner.

Preface
1. The desire to understand
2. Nature
3. Change
4. Man's nature
5. Ethics and the organization of desire
6. Understanding the broad structure of reality
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500 [HPCA]