On Aristotle Physics 2 [electronic resource] / Simplicius ; translated by Barrie Fleet

Author: Simplicius, of Cilicia
Uniform Title: Commentarii in octo Aristotelis Physicae auscultationis libros. 2. English
Published: London : Bloomsbury, 2013.
Physical Description: 1 online resource (218 pages)
Additional Creators: Fleet, Barrie

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Ancient commentators on Aristotle

Summary

"Book 2 of the Physics is arguably the best introduction to Aristotle's ideas. 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. To these riches Simplicius, writing in the sixth century AD, adds his own considerable contribution. 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."--Bloomsbury Publishing.

Subject(s)

ISBN

9781472552327 (electronic bk.)
9780715627327 (electronic bk.)

Note

First published in 1997 by Gerald Duckworth & Co.
AVAILABLE ONLINE TO AUTHORIZED PSU USERS.

Bibliography Note

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Other Forms

Also issued in print.

Reproduction Note

Electronic reproduction. London : Bloomsbury Publishing, 2014. Available via World Wide Web. Access limited by licensing agreement.

View MARC record | catkey: 13220113