Aristotle, line engraving by P. Fidanza after Raphael Sanzio
Aristotle, line engraving by P. Fidanza after Raphael Sanzio
3,077 words
Part 1 of 2
Plato and Aristotle are the twin peaks of Ancient Greek philosophy. Aristotle was Plato’s student. But in one way, Aristotle seems to backslide from Plato. Plato was interested in theoretical topics like mathematics and the philosophy of nature. But following Socrates, his conception of wisdom was primarily moral and practical. Aristotle, however, defends the superiority of the purely contemplative life over the practical life. This seems to be a return to pre-Socratic, theory-centered philosophy.
The earliest Greek philosophers were primarily interested in nature and were unconcerned with practical matters. This is nicely encapsulated by the story about Thales, the very first Greek philosopher, who was so fascinated with the heavens that he did not notice a well at his feet and thus fell into it. (more…)