Aristotle and Aristotelianism

An overview, from an educational perspective, of one of the most enduring traditions in Western philosophy

Abstract

A seminar that aims at focusing upon some of those core theoretical questions in the teaching of the history of philosophy which can be considered in mutual relationship with other areas of study obviously cannot ignore the philosophy of Aristotle and the importance of Aristotelian tradition since it has been highly influential throughout the history of Western thought. This is also relevant to considering the relationship, from a philosophical point of view, between history and theoretical speculation. This article, while offering some examples of what is being considered particularly from a teaching perspective, begins with the question of the relationship between Plato and Aristotle, looking at contrasts and continuities. Later it explores the significance of the “Aristotelian tradition” and what it means when considering certain key philosophical issues current today. Having reconsidered the issue of the “forms”, the dynamic and ultimate notion of the philosophical concept of “nature”, the doctrine of causality, including final and exemplary causes, it then looks in a particular way at epistemology, analogy and the issue of principles or foundations.