Physics: Book VIIIThe eighth book of Aristotle's Physics is the culmination of his theory of nature. He discusses not just physics, but the origins of the universe and the metaphysical foundations of cosmology and physical science. He moves from the discussion of motion in the cosmos to the identification of a single source and regulating principle of all motion, and so argues for the existence of a first 'unmoved mover'. Daniel Graham offers a clear, accurate new translation of this key text in the history of Western thought, and accompanies the translation with a careful philosophical commentary to guide the reader towards an understanding of the wealth of important and influential arguments and ideas that Aristotle puts forward. |
Common terms and phrases
actual agent aggregation and segregation alteration analysis Anaxagoras Anaximander animal motion Aristotelian Aristotle seems Cael causal cause motion chapter circle circular motion claim coming continuous motion contrary motions contrary to nature Cornford cosmic motion cosmology cosmos Democritus Diodorus Cronus discussion distinction doubles back earth efficient causes Eleatic elements Empedocles Eudemus exist explanation fact fallacy of division finite force happen Hence Heraclitus impossible infinite magnitude infinite number infinite power kind of motion locomotion Love and Strife Metaphysics motion and rest motion in place motion is moved moved by nature mover is moved moving body natural motion object opposite original mover Parmenides perishing philosophical Phronesis Phys Physics VIII Plato possible potentially premiss present argument Presocratics presupposes primary principle prior problem question rarefaction Ross self-mover sense Simplicius sphere straight line teleology theory things moved Timaeus tion unmoved mover whole