Aristotle: Life and Legacy of a Philosophical Giant
Aristotle’s Early Life and Education
Aristotle was born in 384 BC in Stagira, near Mount Athos. His father, Nicomachus, was a physician, influencing Aristotle’s interest in science. Orphaned in adolescence, he was raised by Proxenus. At 17, Aristotle went to Athens to study at Plato’s Academy.
Aristotle and Plato
While both philosophers were influenced by Socrates, Aristotle developed his own system, critiquing Plato’s theory of Forms. He introduced concepts like substance, essence, and form.
Travels and Personal Life
After Plato’s death, Aristotle left Athens. He lived in Assos, marrying Pythias and later Herpyllis. He studied biology in Lesbos.
Tutor to Alexander the Great
In 343 BC, Aristotle became the tutor of Alexander, son of Philip of Macedon. Their relationship’s details are unclear, and Aristotle’s influence on Alexander’s politics is debated.
Founding the Lyceum
Aristotle returned to Athens in 335 BC and founded the Lyceum, a major educational institution. He spent years reviewing and expanding his work, covering various fields of knowledge.
Aristotle’s Contributions
Aristotle synthesized knowledge, distinguishing between different sciences:
- Physics for mobile beings
- Mathematics for immobile, non-separate beings
- Theology for immobile, separate beings
The Fate of Aristotle’s Manuscripts
After Alexander’s death, Aristotle faced impiety charges and fled to Chalcis, where he died in 322 BC. His works were passed down, eventually reaching Andronicus of Rhodes, who organized them. They were later rediscovered by Arab scholars like Averroes.
Enduring Legacy
Despite the loss of many works, Aristotle’s surviving writings profoundly impacted Western thought. His ideas were foundational in science and philosophy for centuries.