Aristotle's Physics
A Critical Guide

This volume provides cutting-edge research on Aristotle's Physics, taking into account recent changes in the field of Aristotle.

Mariska Leunissen (Edited by)

9781107031463, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 27 August 2015

310 pages, 1 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.59 kg

Aristotle's study of the natural world plays a tremendously important part in his philosophical thought. He was very interested in the phenomena of motion, causation, place and time, and teleology, and his theoretical materials in this area are collected in his Physics, a treatise of eight books which has been very influential on later thinkers. This volume of new essays provides cutting-edge research on Aristotle's Physics, taking into account recent changes in the field of Aristotle in terms of its understanding of key concepts and preferred methodology. The contributions reassess the key concepts of the treatise (including nature, chance, teleology, art, and motion), reconstruct Aristotle's methods for the study of nature, and determine the boundaries of his natural philosophy. Due to the foundational nature of Aristotle's Physics itself, the volume will be a must-read for all scholars working on Aristotle.

Introduction Mariska Leunissen
1. How to study natural bodies: Aristotle's M?????? James G. Lennox
2. Aristotle on interpreting nature Sean Kelsey
3. Nature as a principle of change Stasinos Stavrianeas
4. Aristotle on chance as an accidental cause James Allen
5. Man from man but not bed from bed: nature, art and chance in Physics II Margaret Scharle
6. In defense of the craft analogy: artifacts and natural teleology Charlotte Witt
7. The origins of Aristotle's natural teleology in Physics II Robert Bolton
8. Substantial generation in Physics I. 5-7 Devin Henry
9. A dynamic ontology: on how Aristotle arrived at the conclusion that eternal change accomplishes Ousia Diana Quarantotto
10. Aristotle's processes David Charles
11. Physics V-VI versus VIII: unity of change and disunity in the Physics Jacob Rosen
12. Perfection and the physiology of habituation according to Physics VII.3 Mariska Leunissen
13. Self-motion as other-motion in Aristotle's Physics Ursula Coope
14. The argument of Physics VIII Andrea Falcon.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH], History of science [PDX], Philosophy of science [PDA], Science: general issues [PD], Political science & theory [JPA], Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology [HPJ], Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500 [HPCA], Philosophy [HP], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]