Introduction to Aristotle

Aristotle was a brilliant philosopher who raised many questions that continue to interest us today: what kinds of things exist (and what does "exist" mean); how do things change; what does it mean for one thing to cause another; what should I do to have a good life (what is happiness); are there moral duties; are there rules of logical thought; what does it mean for a statement to be true; what is the difference between knowledge and opinion (what is truth); can there be an infinity of things; is there a God? Learning about Aristotle provides an introduction to all of these questions and thus to many aspects of philosophy as it is carried on today. Aristotle reacted to the theories of other ancient Greek philosophers, so studying Aristotle will provide an introduction to those other figures as well. Aristotle's work was very influential in the Middle Ages and remains valuable today.

Prerequisites

Describe required prior course work

Recommended background

Aristotle's thought ranges from science to logic to ethics to metaphysics. Background in at least a couple of these areas will help the student succeed. Some knowledge of Plato or the pre-Socratic philosophers would also help.

Textbooks and Materials

This item is required:

Aristotle for Everybody [Edition or Version: 1], Authors: Mortimer Adler

ISBN: 0553139959

Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore; also available as free pdf at: https://archive.org/details/AristotleForEverybodyDifficultThoughtMadeEasyMortimerJAdler/page/n11/mode/2up

Other information: Additional course materials will be provided during the term.

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