|
Aristotle (384–322 BCE), born in Stagira, Greece, was a towering philosopher whose work shaped Western thought. A student of Plato and tutor to Alexander the Great, he founded the Lyceum in Athens, where he explored logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and biology. His empirical approach and concepts like the “Golden Mean” and the “Unmoved Mover” influenced centuries of philosophy. Likely a polytheist, he wrote foundational texts like Nicomachean Ethics, Politics, and Poetics. Aristotle died in Chalcis, leaving a legacy of reason and inquiry that endures today. X |
|
Summary of AristotleBirth and Death
Aristotle is considered one of the greatest philosophers and scientists of the ancient world. His influence spans philosophy, natural sciences, logic, ethics, politics, metaphysics, psychology, rhetoric, and the arts. He founded the Lyceum in Athens and established the Peripatetic school of philosophy. Aristotle’s works laid the foundation for much of Western thought, influencing Christian, Islamic, and Jewish intellectual traditions, as well as the development of modern science147.
Religion
Aristotle was a polytheist, consistent with the ancient Greek religious context of his era. He wrote about the "Unmoved Mover" or "Prime Mover," a philosophical concept of a first cause or ultimate principle, but did not adhere to a personal or monotheistic deity as in later Abrahamic religions. His religious views were philosophical rather than doctrinal, focusing on metaphysical principles rather than worship48.
Books Written
Aristotle’s surviving works are vast and cover a wide range of subjects. Some of his most significant and influential books include:
- Aristotle was born in 384 BCE in Stagira, Chalcidice, in northern Greece.
- He died in 322 BCE in Chalcis, Euboea, at the age of 61 or 62147.
Aristotle is considered one of the greatest philosophers and scientists of the ancient world. His influence spans philosophy, natural sciences, logic, ethics, politics, metaphysics, psychology, rhetoric, and the arts. He founded the Lyceum in Athens and established the Peripatetic school of philosophy. Aristotle’s works laid the foundation for much of Western thought, influencing Christian, Islamic, and Jewish intellectual traditions, as well as the development of modern science147.
Religion
Aristotle was a polytheist, consistent with the ancient Greek religious context of his era. He wrote about the "Unmoved Mover" or "Prime Mover," a philosophical concept of a first cause or ultimate principle, but did not adhere to a personal or monotheistic deity as in later Abrahamic religions. His religious views were philosophical rather than doctrinal, focusing on metaphysical principles rather than worship48.
Books Written
Aristotle’s surviving works are vast and cover a wide range of subjects. Some of his most significant and influential books include:
- Nicomachean Ethics
- Politics
- Metaphysics
- Poetics
- De Anima (On the Soul)
- Physics
- Categories
- Prior Analytics
- Posterior Analytics
- Rhetoric
- On the Heavens
- On Generation and Corruption
- History of Animals
- Parts of Animals
- Eudemian Ethics
- Topics
- Sophistical Refutations
- Organon (collection of logical works)1258
- “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”367
- “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”36910
- “What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.”36
- “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”36
- “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”3
- “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.”3610
- “A friend to all is a friend to none.”379
- “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”369
- “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”3
- “No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness.”3610
Here the ten most popular YouTube videos about Aristotle, including their channels, publication dates, durations, and key concepts covered:
- PHILOSOPHY - Aristotle
Channel: The School of Life
First Aired: April 28, 2016
Duration: 0:06:12
URL: Youtube
This video provides an accessible introduction to Aristotle as one of history's greatest philosophers and the first genuine scientist, highlighting his pioneering contributions across various fields including logic, ethics, and metaphysics. Britannica - Aristotle & Virtue Theory: Crash Course Philosophy #38
Channel: CrashCourse
First Aired: November 21, 2016
Duration: 0:09:58
URL: Youtube
This video explores Aristotle's virtue theory, explaining the Golden Mean as a midpoint between vices of excess and deficiency, discussing moral exemplars, and introducing the concept of "eudaimonia" (human flourishing). Nerdfighteria - Plato and Aristotle: Crash Course History of Science #3
Channel: CrashCourse
First Aired: April 2, 2018
Duration: 0:12:36
URL: Youtube
This video examines how Aristotle differed from his mentor Plato, discussing his empirical approach, the establishment of the Lyceum, and his major works including Metaphysics, On the Heavens, and his influential Physics textbooks. Nerdfighteria - The Life and Philosophy of Aristotle
Channel: Academy of Ideas
First Aired: June 18, 2019
Duration: 0:19:45
URL: Youtube
This video provides a comprehensive overview of Aristotle's life from his birth in 384 BCE in Stagira through his education under Plato, his time tutoring Alexander the Great, and his establishment of the Lyceum, while exploring his systematic approach to philosophy and science. World NewsThe Greekish Life - What Is a Good Life?: Crash Course Philosophy #46
Channel: CrashCourse
First Aired: January 23, 2017
Duration: 0:10:12
URL: Youtube
This final episode of Crash Course Philosophy examines what makes a good life, including Aristotle's eudaimonistic perspective that emphasizes virtue, self-improvement, and flourishing as essential components of a well-lived life. Nerdfighteria - Aristotle: History's Most Influential Thinker
Channel: Pursuit of Wonder
First Aired: August 12, 2020
Duration: 0:18:27
URL: Youtube
This video explores how Aristotle's intellectual legacy became the foundation for Western philosophy, science, and logic, with his works being rediscovered and influencing major thinkers across generations including medieval Islamic scholars and Thomas Aquinas. World NewsHISTORY - Tragedy Lessons from Aristotle: Crash Course Theater #3
Channel: CrashCourse
First Aired: February 23, 2018
Duration: 0:13:08
URL: Youtube
This video examines Aristotle's Poetics, the first substantial work of literary criticism, explaining his rules for tragedy, the concept of catharsis, and how his theories continue to influence modern dramatic writing. PBS - Introduction to Aristotle: Knowledge, Teleology and the Four Causes
Channel: Philosophy Vibe
First Aired: September 5, 2017
Duration: 0:22:14
URL: Youtube
This video delves into Aristotle's epistemological approaches, his concept of teleology (purpose in nature), and his scheme of four causes that formed the foundation of his natural philosophy and metaphysics. Stanford - Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics - Book 1
Channel: Philosophy Overdose
First Aired: October 17, 2015
Duration: 1:03:45
URL: Youtube
This in-depth lecture examines the first book of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, exploring his views on virtue, happiness, and the connections between the well-being of individuals and the political community. FeedspotUtm - Aristotle on Ethics, Happiness, and Virtue
Channel: Academy of Ideas
First Aired: March 9, 2018
Duration: 0:14:23
URL: Youtube
This video presents Aristotle's ethical philosophy with a focus on his theory of eudaimonia (happiness/flourishing), explaining how virtue and practical wisdom contribute to living a good human life according to our rational nature. UtmNerdfighteria
Here are five key websites on the topic of Aristotle.
- Website Name: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Aristotle
Organization: Stanford University
URL: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle/
Description: This comprehensive entry provides an in-depth overview of Aristotle’s life, philosophical methods, and major contributions across logic, metaphysics, ethics, and natural sciences. It highlights his empirical approach, the Organon, and teleological explanations, making it a go-to resource for students and scholars. - Website Name: Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Aristotle
Organization: University of Tennessee at Martin
URL: https://iep.utm.edu/aristotle/
Description: This detailed article covers Aristotle’s role as the founder of Western logic, his works like the Organon, and his rejection of Plato’s Forms. It explores his views on substance, causality, and mathematical objects, offering accessible yet rigorous insights for academic audiences. - Website Name: Britannica - Aristotle
Organization: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
URL: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aristotle
Description: This entry outlines Aristotle’s biography, scientific research (especially in zoology), and philosophical contributions, including logic and ethics. It emphasizes his empirical spirit and influence on Western thought, suitable for general readers and students. - Website Name: Wikipedia - Aristotle
Organization: Wikimedia Foundation
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle
Description: This widely accessed page details Aristotle’s life, from his time at Plato’s Academy to founding the Lyceum, and his works across philosophy, science, and politics. It discusses his logic, biology, and cultural impact, serving as a starting point for casual learners. - Website Name: History.com - Aristotle
Organization: A&E Television Networks
URL: https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-greece/aristotle
Description: This concise article summarizes Aristotle’s role as a philosopher, scientist, and tutor to Alexander the Great. It covers his key ideas, such as the four causes and virtue ethics, and his lasting influence, tailored for a broad, non-academic audience. X