Simplicius: On Aristotle Physics 2 (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781780938646)

Book 2 of the Physics is arguably the best introduction to Aristotle's ideas, as well as being the most interesting and representative book in the whole of his corpus. It defines nature and distinguishes natural science from mathematics. It introduces the seminal idea of four causes, or four modes of explanation. It defines chance, but rejects a theory of chance and natural selection in favour of purpose in nature.
Simplicius, writing in the sixth century AD, adds his own considerable contribution to this work. Seeing Aristotle's God as a Creator, he discusses how nature relates to soul, adds Stoic and Neoplatonist causes to Aristotle's list of four, and questions the likeness of cause to effect. He discusses missing a great evil or a great good by a hairsbreadth and considers whether animals act from reason or natural instinct. He also preserves a Posidonian discussion of mathematical astronomy.

Author: Barrie Fleet
ISBN-10: 1780938640
ISBN-13: 9781780938646
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Language: English
Published: 04/10/2014
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.71lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.48d