Aristotle  - 
Some notes on the 
Metaphysics 

1. Discuss the title; origins and present usage(s).
2. Close reading Book 1.1
a. philosophical anthropology and knowledge
b. human/non-human animals and knowledge
c. craft and experience; knowing and teaching
d. wisdom and leisure; wisdom and causes
3.   Close reading Book 1.2
a. note method of beginning with common beliefs about wisdom . . .
b. hierarchy of sciences, characteristics of the most superior science
c. wisdom, philosophy and wonder
d. divine science (2 meanings)
e. wisdom and wonder again
4.   Close reading Book 1.3-4
a. the four causes, again
b. Aristotle's history of his predecessors; compare with psychology texts . . .
c. 985a
5.   Close reading Book 1.6
a. characterization of Socrates
b. criticism of Plato
 
Book  7
a. 7.1-6.  Substance and essence (and accident)
b.  1032a [223 text]  matter and form
c.  7.13ff - Universals
 



M. Kagan
Le Moyne College
2/26/01
 
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