Aristotle was the founder not only of logic but also of modal logic. In the Prior Analytics he developed a complex system of modal syllogistic which, while influential, has been disputed since antiquity—and is today widely regarded as incoherent. In this meticulously argued new study, Marko Malink presents a major reinterpretation of Aristotle’s modal syllogistic. Combining analytic rigor with keen sensitivity to historical context, he makes clear that the modal syllogistic forms ...

The Republic is a Socratic dialogue concerning the definition of justice the order and character of the just city-state and the just man—for this reason, ancient readers used the name On Justice as an alternative title (not to be confused with the spurious dialogue also titled On Justice).

Apology is Platos least philosophical and most unrepresentative work but arguably his most important and is among many readers favorites, including mine. However, the fact that it is widely anthologized -- e.g., in The Trial and Death of Socrates -- makes it hard to justify a standalone, but some may be taken by the translation.The work purports to be Socrates self-defense at his trial. It is historically priceless if so, as it gives his last public statements and some background a...

The first major work in the history of philosophy to bear the title “Metaphysics” was the treatise by Aristotle that we have come to know by that name. But Aristotle himself did not use that title or even describe his field of study as ‘metaphysics’; the name was evidently coined by the first century C.E. editor who assembled the treatise we know as Aristotle’s "Metaphysics" out of various smaller selections of Aristotle’s works. The title ‘metaphysics’—literally, ‘after the Physi...

The Physics of Aristotle is one of the foundational books of Western science and philosophy.The Physics is composed of eight books, which are further divided into chapters. In this article, books are referenced with Roman numerals, chapters with Arabic numerals. Additionally, the Bekker numbers give the page and line numbers used in the Prussian Academy of Sciences edition of Aristotle's works.

John Burnet (1863-1928) was a Scottish classicist who made lasting contributions to the field of philosophical studies, primarily in Ancient Greek philosophy. In particular, it was Burnet who originally theorized that Platos Socratic dialogues, which cast Socrates as the central character, were reflections of Socrates views instead of Platos own. There is still debate over whether Plato has Socrates trumpet Platos views instead of his own, but Burnet believed that Platos late dialogues, few o...

Aristotle's Poetics (335 BCE) is the earliest surviving work of dramatic theory and the first extant philosophical treatise to focus on literary theory.Aristotle's Poetics is the most influential book on poetry ever written. A founding text of European aesthetics and literary criticism, from it stems much of our modern understanding of the creation and impact of imaginative writing, including poetry, drama, and fiction.In it, Aristotle offers an account of what he calls "po...

In his brilliant dialogue, Symposium, Plato presents an imaginary dinner-party set in Athens in 416 BC where the guests include Aristophanes, Socrates and the most popular Athenian of his day, golden boy Alcibiades. The sequence of dazzling speeches culminates in Socrates' famous account of the views of Diotima, a prophetess who taught him that love is our means of trying to attain goodness.

Along with Plato and Socrates, Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) is one of the triumvirate of philosophers responsible for the establishment of Western philosophy as it exists today. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were among the first to refine philosophical thought, and Socrates is credited with devising the Socratic Method as a way to argue and debate points rationally. The Ancient Greek philosophers further stressed the importance of virtue and stoicism, advocating the improvement of ones self thro...

In On Generation and Corruption, Aristotle examines the fundamental principles behind change, growth, and decay in the natural world. Building on concepts introduced in 'The Physics', he investigates whether all transformation arises from elemental causes or mere alteration, grounding his arguments in observable phenomena.This seminal work introduces the influential doctrines of the Four Causes and the Four Elements, through which Aristotle challenges prevailing theories-particular...

Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher who was largely responsible for shaping Western philosophy as it is known today. Aristotle, who was one of Plato’s students and would later tutor Alexander the Great, was also regarded as the world’s first scientist and his many writings are still revered today. This edition of On Memory and Reminiscence includes a table of contents.

Along with Plato and Socrates, Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) is one of the triumvirate of philosophers responsible for the establishment of Western philosophy as it exists today. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were among the first to refine philosophical thought, and Socrates is credited with devising the Socratic Method as a way to argue and debate points rationally. The Ancient Greek philosophers further stressed the importance of virtue and stoicism, advocating the improvement of ones self thro...