Aristotelian Explorations
Cambridge University Press, 10/24/1996
EAN 9780521554220, ISBN10: 0521554225
Hardcover, 254 pages, 23.6 x 15.9 x 1.9 cm
Language: English
This book challenges several widespread views concerning Aristotle's methods and practices of scientific and philosophical research. Taking central topics in psychology, zoology, astronomy and politics, Professor Lloyd explores generally unrecognised tensions between Aristotle's deeply held a priori convictions and his remarkable empirical honesty in the face of complexities in the data or perceived difficult or exceptional cases. The picture that emerges of Aristotle's actual engagement in scientific research and of his own reflections on that research is substantially more complex than is usually allowed.
Introduction
reading Aristotle
1. The theories and practices of demonstration
2. The relationship of psychology to zoology
3. Fuzzy natures?
4. The master cook
5. Spontaneous generation and metamorphosis
6. The varieties of perception
7. The unity of analogy
8. Heavenly aberrations
Aristotle the amateur astronomer
9. The idea of nature in the Politics
10. The metaphors of metaphora.