Aristotle, the renowned Greek philosopher and scientist, is widely recognized as the teacher of Alexander the Great. As a student of Plato, he holds a significant place in Western philosophy. His extensive writings encompass a vast array of subjects, ranging from physics and metaphysics to poetry and politics. Considered ahead of his time, Aristotle’s comprehensive system of philosophy became the foundation for both Islamic and Christian scholastic thought. Notably, he possessed an unparalleled breadth of knowledge in various fields, making him a remarkable figure of his era. Among his notable achievements, he formulated the Aristotelian syllogistic, a groundbreaking system of logical reasoning, and made significant contributions to the field of zoology. Although his zoological work is now outdated, his influence remained unchallenged until the 19th century. Aristotle’s immense contributions and enduring influence establish him as one of the most renowned and influential figures in history.
Quick Facts
- Died At Age: -62
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Herpyllis of Stageira, Pythias
- Father: Nicomachus
- Children: Pythias the Younger (Daughter); Nicomachus
- Born Country: Greece
- Quotes By Aristotle
- Philosophers
- Died on: 322
- Place of death: Chalcis, Greece
- Notable Alumni: Platonic Academy
- More Facts
- Education: Platonic Academy
Childhood & Early Life
Aristotle was born in 384 BC in Stagira, Chalcidice, approximately 55km east of Thessaloniki. His father, Nicomachus, named him Aristotle, which means “the best purpose.” His father served as a personal physician to King Amyntas of Macedon. Though not much information is available on his childhood, sources suggest that he spent time in the Macedonian palace and connected with the Macedonian monarchy. Being a physician’s son, he was inspired by his father’s scientific work but didn’t show much interest in medicine. When he turned 18, he moved to Athens to pursue his education at Plato’s Academy. He left Athens somewhere in 348-347 BC, after spending almost 20 years in the city. The traditional stories say that he left Athens because he was displeased with the Academy’s direction when Plato’s nephew Speusippus took over after Plato’s death. However, it is also said that he feared anti-Macedonian sentiments and could have left before Plato’s death. Thereafter, he moved to the court of his friend Hermias of Atarneus in Asia Minor along with his friend Xenocrates. He then traveled to the island of Lesbos, accompanied by Theophrastus, where they conducted in-depth analysis of the zoology and botany of the island. In 343 BC, after the death of Hermias, Philip II of Macedon invited him to become the tutor of his son Alexander.
Career
Aristotle became the head of the royal academy of Macedon and a tutor to Alexander, as well as two other future kings, Cassander and Ptolemy. In his role as a tutor to Alexander, he encouraged him to conquer the east. In 335 BC, he returned to Athens and established his own school called the Lyceum. For the next 12 years, he taught various courses at his school. However, the relationship between Alexander and Aristotle became estranged, possibly due to Alexander’s relationship with Persia. After Alexander’s death, anti-Macedonian sentiment in Athens flared, and in 322 BC, Aristotle fled to Chalcis, his mother’s family estate, after being castigated for not holding the gods in honor.
Thoughts & Contributions
Aristotle is believed to have put together his thoughts during 335-323 BC. He wrote a number of dialogues in this period, but unfortunately, only fragments of these pieces have survived. His most important treatises include “Poetics,” “Metaphysics,” “Politics,” “Physics,” “De Anima,” and “Nicomachean Ethics.” He studied and made noteworthy contributions to subjects such as science, philosophy, literature, poetry, and customs of various countries. He is considered the earliest to study formal logic, and his theory of deduction formed the basis of deductive inference. His philosophy also provided a system of reasoning and was related to ethics. He discussed a moral code of conduct and considered ethics to be a part of practical rather than theoretical study. He has been given credit for being the founder of formal logic.
Contributions to Science
Though not a scientist by today’s definition, Aristotle extensively researched and studied science, especially during his time at the Lyceum. He conducted research in biology, classifying animals into species based on blood. He also examined marine biology through dissection. He studied earth sciences, including meteorology, which encompassed the study of weather, water cycle, natural disasters, and astrological events.
Contributions to Psychology
Aristotle is considered the true father of psychology, as he laid the theoretical and philosophical framework for its earliest beginnings. His book “De Anima” is considered the first book on psychology. He explored the relation between psychological processes and underlying physiological phenomena. He postulated that the mind has the power to function without a body and is immaterial and immortal. He also discussed the imitative nature of humans and its advantages over animals.
Major Works
Aristotle wrote around 200 works, including dialogues, records of scientific observations, and systematic works. His major works include “Rhetoric,” “Eudemus” (On the Soul), and “Poetics.” He also wrote on philosophy, Alexander, Sophistes, justice, wealth, prayer, and education.
Personal Life & Legacy
During his stay in Asia Minor, Aristotle married Pythias, the niece or adoptive daughter of Hermias. They had a daughter named Pythias. After Pythias’ death, he married Herpyllis of Stagira, who bore him a son named Nicomachus. Aristotle had an erotic relationship with Palaephatus, according to the Suda. He passed away in 322 BC in Euboea due to natural causes. His influence on future scientists, philosophers, and thinkers cannot be ignored, and he is considered one of the most influential people in history.