Aristotle’s Metaphysics is one of the most important works in the history of philosophy. It deals with the study of existence, reality, and the nature of things. But when was this seminal work written?
Background
To answer this question, it is essential to understand Aristotle’s life and times. Aristotle was born in 384 BCE in Stagira, a small town in northern Greece.
He was a student of Plato and later became a teacher to Alexander the Great. Aristotle founded his own school called the Lyceum in Athens, where he taught for many years.
Metaphysics
The Metaphysics is believed to have been written by Aristotle around 350 BCE during his time at the Lyceum. The book has 14 chapters or books that are named after letters of the Greek alphabet. It was not actually titled “Metaphysics” by Aristotle himself but was given this name by scholars who compiled his works after his death.
Content
The content of the Metaphysics is complex and multifaceted, covering a wide range of topics such as substance, causality, form and matter, potentiality and actuality, unity and plurality, being and non-being, essence and existence. Aristotle’s main aim in writing this work was to establish a science that would explain the fundamental principles underlying all reality.
Legacy
The Metaphysics has had a profound influence on Western philosophy since its inception. Its ideas have been debated by philosophers for centuries and continue to be relevant today. The book’s impact can be seen in various areas such as theology, physics, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, politics and aesthetics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aristotle’s Metaphysics was written around 350 BCE during his time at the Lyceum. It is one of the most important works in the history of philosophy and has had a profound impact on Western thought. Its ideas continue to be studied and debated by scholars to this day.