On Aristotle Physics 2 Simplicius ; translated by Barrie Fleet.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Simplicius, of Cilicia, author.

Contributor:

Fleet, Barrie, editor.

Series:

Ancient commentators on Aristotle

Standardized Title:

Commentarii in octo Aristotelis Physicae auscultationis libros. 2. English

Language:

English

Greek, Ancient (to 1453)

Subjects (All):

Aristotle. Physics--Book 2.

Aristotle.

Physics--Early works to 1800.

Physics.

Nature--Early works to 1800.

Nature.

Chance--Early works to 1800.

Chance.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (218 pages).

Place of Publication:

London Bloomsbury 2013.

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

Contents:

Introduction

Textual Emendations

Translation

Notes

Bibliography

Appendix: The Commentators

English-Greek Glossary

Greek-English Index

Index of Works Cited in the Notes

Subject Index

Notes:

First published in 1997 by Gerald Duckworth & Co

Includes bibliographical references and indexes

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

ISBN:

9781472552327

OCLC:

1027533874