Aristotle's 'So-Called Elements'

Phronesis 53 (3):223-242 (2008)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Aristotle's use of the phrase τὰ καλούμενα στοιχεȋα is usually taken as evidence that he does not really think that the things to which this phrase refers, namely, fire, air, water, and earth, are genuine elements. In this paper I question the linguistic and textual grounds for taking the phrase τὰ καλούμενα στοιχεȋα in this way. I offer a detailed examination of the significance of the phrase, and in particular I compare Aristotle's general use of the Greek participle καλούμενος (-η, -ον) in other contexts. I conclude that his use of the phrase τὰ καλούμενα στοιχεȋα does not carry ironical or sceptical connotations, and that it ought to be understood as a neutral report of a contemporary opinion that the elements of bodies are fire, air, water, and earth. I leave aside the question as to whether or not Aristotle himself endorses this opinion

Other Versions

No versions found

Links

PhilArchive



    Upload a copy of this work     Papers currently archived: 97,042

External links

Setup an account with your affiliations in order to access resources via your University's proxy server

Through your library

Analytics

Added to PP
2009-01-28

Downloads
125 (#151,730)

6 months
17 (#259,653)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Tim Crowley
University College Dublin

References found in this work

Aristotle and Prime Matter: A Reply to Hugh R. King.Friedrich Solmsen - 1958 - Journal of the History of Ideas 19 (2):243.
The Eleatics and Aristotle on Some Problems of Change.A. R. Lacey - 1965 - Journal of the History of Ideas 26 (4):451.

Add more references