Life And Work Of Aristotle. Social - Historical Context

Question 1

Aristotel’s Contribution to Soul Theory:

Answer 1

• Context:When Aristotle conceived “De Anima” and later works known as “Parva Naturalia,” the theory of the soul already had a history.
  
  • Traditional Views: Plato’s students, including Aristotle, viewed the soul either as general attributes of moving matter or as a divine, immortal nature confined in the temporary body.
  • Aristotle’s Departure: Aristotle diverged from these traditions, establishing the ontological status of the human individual as a psychophysical entity—living, active, and thoughtful.

Question 2

Aristotle’s Psychological Paradigm:**

Answer 2

• Functional Approach: Aristotle placed the human psyche within nature, investigating its principles and causes, marking him as a pioneer of the functionalist paradigm.
  
  • Unity of Functions: Aristotle’s historical contribution lies in affirming the unity of spiritual and vital functions; the soul, as a quality of substance (body), performs three essential functions: nutritive, sensitive, and rational.

Question 3

Understanding “Form” in Aristotle’s Context:

Answer 3

• Autonomy: Aristotle’s term “form” refers to an intrinsic entity independent of the body.
  
  • Active Capacities: It involves active capacities, both vital and rational.
  • Immutability: The soul maintains invariable characteristics from potentiality to actualization, persisting from birth to death.

Question 4

Functional Relationship Between Soul and Body:

Answer 4

• Analogy: Aristotle likened the relationship between soul and body to the functional connection between the eye and sight.

Question 5

Concept of “Entelechy”:

Answer 5

• Definition: “Entelechy” is Aristotle’s concept denoting the principle of activity, generating qualitative differences and actualizing potentialities in gradual steps.
  
  • Modern Interpretation: Today, it aligns with the concept of functionality and the ability to achieve something.

Question 6

Cognition in Aristotle’s Psychology:

Answer 6

• Discernment: Aristotle defined the main function of the psyche as discernment through sensing and thinking.
  
  • Ontological Focus: In contrast to Plato, Aristotle emphasized the ontological aspects of cognition, asserting that knowledge is intertwined with the physical world.

Question 7

Aristotelian Legacy:

Answer 7

• Historical Significance: Modern philosophers regard Aristotle as a historical emblem of certainty, lauding his meticulous exploration of the profound layers of natural and poetic existence.
  
  • Enciclopedism: Aristotle’s encyclopedic approach contrasts with earlier philosophers, presenting a detailed understanding of the natural world.

Question 8

Life and Works of Aristotle:

Answer 8

• Birth and Education: Aristotle, born in 384 B.C. in Stagira, Thracia, studied under Plato in Athens for 20 years.
  
  • Teaching Alexander: Later, he became the tutor of Alexander the Great.
  • Lyceum Establishment: In 335 B.C., Aristotle returned to Athens, opened his own school called Lyceum, and produced a vast body of work.
  • Political Views: Aristotle supported the maintenance of the slave system, aligning with the pro-Macedonian political movement.
  • Exile and Death: After Alexander’s death, Aristotelian political stance led to his exile, and he died in 322 B.C. in Euboea.

Question 9

Aristotle’s Writings and Methodology:

Answer 9

• Exoteric and Esoteric Works: Aristotle’s written works include exoteric (public) and esoteric (internal) pieces, with only the latter surviving.
  
  • Categories of Works: His works cover Logic, Metaphysics, Natural Sciences, Psychology, Epistemology, Politics, Ethics, and Aesthetics.
  • Empirical Approach: While valuing sensory perception, Aristotle wasn’t an empiricist; he advocated building theories based on observed facts.

Question 10

Aristotelian Methodological Approach:

Answer 10

• Dialectical Method: Aristotle, influenced by Plato’s Academy, adopted and practiced the dialectical method, engaging in discourse for 20 years.
  
  • Critique of Plato: Aristotle critically examined Plato’s theory of forms, noting non-dialectical elements, mythic arguments, and variations in Plato’s self-presentation.