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Aristotle
The Greek philosopher and teacher who formulated the basis for much of today's modern science. This category is designed to collect questions about his life, methods, and discoveries.
1,843 Questions
How did Aristotle's dad inspire him?
The father of Aristotle died when Aristotle was about 10 years old. His name was Nicomachus, and he was a medical doctor to the King of Macedonia. It is possible the Aristotle's dad inspired him to think about science and biology. Aristotle spent his childhood at the royal court of the King where his dad worked. After his father died, Aristotle was educated by medical doctor friends of his father.
Another way his father may have inspired him is that Aristotle named his son after his father, also Nicomachus. It has been suggested that one of Aristotle's most famous works, the Nicomachean Ethics, was named to honor his father and son.
Nicomachus, the father of Aristotle, who belonged to the family of the Asclepiadae, and was descended from Nicomachus, the son of Machaon. He had another son named Arimnestus, and a daughter named Arimneste, by his wife Phaestis, or Phaestias, who was also descended from Aesculapius. He was a native of Stageira, and the friend and physician of Amyntas II., king of Macedonia, 393-369 BC. He was perhaps the author of the works attributed (apparently) by Suidas to his ancestor, the son of Machaon. (Suid. s. v. Aristoteles, Nikomachos; Ammon. in vita Aristot.; Diog. Laërt. v. 1. § 1.; Dionys. De Demosth. et Aristot. § 5; Joann. Tzetz. Chil. x. 727).
Nicomachus was also the name of Aristotle's son. Some historians think the Nicomachean Ethics, a compilation of Aristotle's lecture notes, was probably named after or dedicated to Aristotle's son.
How many souls did aristotle believe humans have?
Aristotle believed that humans have one soul, which he identified as the rational soul that distinguishes humans from other living beings.
Which best describes aristotles idea about comedic heroes?
Aristotle believed that comedic heroes should be ordinary people who are neither entirely good nor entirely bad, but who learn from their mistakes and ultimately achieve a positive outcome. He suggested that comedic heroes should be relatable and their journey should involve a progression from ignorance to understanding.
When did Aristotle find his atomic theory?
Aristotle did not propose an atomic theory; instead, he rejected the concept of atoms put forth by his predecessor, Democritus. Aristotle believed in the idea of continuous matter rather than discrete particles.
What were aristotles views about the forms of government?
Aristotle believed that monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy were equally good forms of government. He also felt each form could be easily corrupted. Aristotle wanted to combine all three types of government to create a limited democracy.
Was Democritus's beliefs accepted by society at that time?
Democritus's beliefs were not widely accepted by society during his time. His theory of atoms was overshadowed by the dominant philosophical views of the time. It was not until much later that his ideas gained more recognition and acceptance.
How did Aristotle achievements influence the modern world?
Aristotle's achievements, particularly in philosophy, logic, and ethics, have had a significant impact on the development of Western thought and influenced fields such as science, politics, and ethics. His emphasis on observation, logic, and rational thinking laid the foundation for the modern scientific method and critical thinking. Aristotle's works continue to be studied and referenced in academia and have shaped many aspects of modern philosophy and intellectual inquiry.
What did Aristotle think was in the center of the universe?
Aristotle believed that the Earth was at the center of the universe, with all other celestial bodies revolving around it in a series of concentric spheres. This geocentric view of the universe contrasted with the later heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus.
Which did Aristotle say must be true for a play to be tragedy?
Aristotle believed that a tragedy must have a protagonist who experiences a reversal of fortune due to their own tragic flaw, leading to their downfall. This reversal of fortune must evoke pity and fear in the audience, resulting in a catharsis or purging of emotions.
What experiments did Aristotle conduct?
Not many for sure.
There is one he discussed, in his work titled De Anima(On the Soul). In Book II, Chapter 7, he discusses the role of light and the ability of humans to see color. He suggests what he calls "the following experiment", in his own words given as, "if what has color is placed in immediate contact with the eye, it cannot be seen".
Now, it is not suggested that anyone try to repeat this experiment, because you can damage the eye by placing something in contact with it. The point Aristotle was making is that, some medium that carries light such as air must be between the eye and the color object if the eye is to see color. He then proposed an experiment that could be used to test his claim.
However, for the most part, the scientific approach of Aristotle did not include experiments.
Aristotle is known for his contributions to a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, ethics, politics, science, and logic. He founded his own school, the Lyceum, and wrote extensively on topics such as metaphysics, biology, and ethics. His works have had a lasting impact on Western thought and continue to be studied and debated to this day.
What is aristotles theory of a person's function?
Aristotle's theory of a person's function is based on the idea that individuals have a specific purpose or function in life that is unique to each person. He believed that happiness and fulfillment are achieved by fulfilling this function, which he referred to as "eudaimonia." According to Aristotle, a person's function involves using their unique abilities and virtues to contribute to the greater good of society and achieve excellence in their pursuits.
What were Aristotle's kid's names?
He had a daughter Pythias with his first wife. He and his second wife (who may have been his concubine, rather than his wife) had several children but we only know the name of one-- his son Nichomachus.
What major idea did Locke contribute to the rise of democratic ideas?
Locke's major idea was the concept of natural rights, which are inherent and inalienable rights that every individual possesses, such as life, liberty, and property. This idea influenced the development of democratic principles by asserting that individuals have rights that government must protect, and that governments should be based on consent of the governed.
Did democritus and Aristotle agree with each other?
Democritus and Aristotle had differing views on the nature of matter and the universe. Democritus believed in the existence of indivisible particles called atoms, while Aristotle believed in a continuous, infinite substance known as the "quintessence." They disagreed on fundamental aspects of physics, cosmology, and metaphysics.
Many influential philosophers throughout history have been influenced by Plato, including Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine of Hippo, and Immanuel Kant. Plato's ideas on metaphysics, ethics, and politics have had a lasting impact on Western philosophy and continue to shape contemporary thought.
Why does Plato feel that Socrates was a Sophist?
Plato believes that Socrates was mistaken for a Sophist because of his thought-provoking questioning style and his focus on challenging conventional beliefs. However, Socrates differed from the Sophists in that he did not accept payment for his teachings and sought after truth rather than personal gain. Plato aimed to distinguish Socrates from the Sophists by portraying him as a philosopher who pursued wisdom and virtue, rather than being motivated by debate or rhetoric.
Plato's Retreat was a popular and controversial swingers club that operated in New York City from 1977 to 1985. It was known for its sexually adventurous clientele and liberal attitude towards nudity and sexual exploration. The club was eventually closed due to legal pressure and changing social attitudes towards sexuality.
Did Aristotle teach that people should find their function?
Yes, Aristotle believed that individuals should identify their unique function or purpose in life in order to achieve happiness and fulfillment. He argued that each person has a specific role or function that they are meant to fulfill in society, and by striving to fulfill this function, individuals can reach eudaimonia, or flourishing.
Who was the students of Aristotle?
Some of Aristotle's famous students include Alexander the Great, who later became a powerful ruler, and Theophrastus, who succeeded Aristotle as the head of the Lyceum in Athens. These students went on to make significant contributions in various fields such as philosophy, politics, and science.
What are Aristotle's typology of government?
Aristotle's typology of government includes monarchy (rule by one), aristocracy (rule by the virtuous few), and polity (rule by the many or the middle class). He also discusses their corrupt forms: tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy, respectively.
What subjects father is Aristotle?
Aristotle's father was Nicomachus, who was a physician and served as the personal physician to King Amyntas III of Macedon. Aristotle was born in Stagira, a Greek colony in present-day northern Greece.
Aristotle recognized that music modes could serve various purposes based on the emotions and moods they evoke. He praised certain modes for their ability to induce calmness and thought they should be valued for their unique effects on the mind and emotions. Aristotle's approach emphasized understanding and utilizing the diverse capabilities of music modes rather than outright banning them.
Where did Aristotle teach philosophy?
gymnasium and grove by the temple apollo where aristotle taught philosophy
