Aristotle The Desire to Understand [Paperback]

In this 1988 book, Professor Lear introduces Aristotle's philosophy and guides us through the central Aristotelian texts.An introduction to Aristotle's philosophy progresses through all the central texts selected from the Physics, Metaphysics, Ethics, Politics and the biological and logical works as well.An introduction to Aristotle's philosophy progresses through all the central texts selected from the Physics, Metaphysics, Ethics, Politics and the biological and logical works as well.This is a philosophical introduction to Aristotle, and Professor Lear starts where Aristotle himself started. He introduces us to the essence of Aristotle's philosophy and guides us through all the central Aristotelian texts--selected from the Physics, Metaphysics, Ethics, Politics and the biological and logical works. The book is written in a direct, lucid style that engages the reader with the themes in an active and participatory manner. It will prove a stimulating introduction for all students of Greek philosophy and for a wide range of others interested in Aristotle as a giant figure in Western intellectual history.Preface; 1. The desire to understand; 2. Nature; 3. Change; 4. Man's nature; 5. Ethics and the organization of desire; 6. Understanding the broad structure of reality; Select bibliography; Index. As a general introduction to Aristotle for the intellectually curious, it will not be superseded for years to come. Professionals too will find much to excite and stimulate them; occasionally, too, they may find something to infuriate: but that is all to the good. R.J. Hankinson, ISIS