PHIL 333

PHIL 333: Aristotle
Instructor: Philip Corkum

Course Description:

Aristotle is a pivotal figure in the history of philosophy. As Plato’s ablest student and critic, Aristotle’s work is arguably the high-water mark of the Hellenic period. But Aristotle also set the foundations for much of philosophy in the fifteen hundred years following his death, during which studying and debating Aristotle was a prominent way of doing philosophy; and the old man continues to be an influential figure in contemporary philosophy. In this course, we’ll study Aristotle’s metaphysics, natural philosophy and ethics. Since we’ll be concerned with the historical issues, we’ll take a look at the Pre-Socratic and Platonic tradition to which Aristotle is responding, so to appreciate the context of Aristotle’s contribution.