Ten fun facts about Aristotle

1. Aristotle Joins Plato's Academy at 18

At the age of eighteen, Aristotle joined Plato's Academy in Athens, a renowned school of philosophy and science. He remained there for nineteen years, until the age of thirty-seven (c. 347 BCE), during which time he studied under Plato and developed his own theories on a variety of topics, including metaphysics, ethics, and logic. During his time at the Academy, Aristotle wrote several works, including the Nicomachean Ethics, which is still studied today. His time at the Academy was a formative period in his life, and it was there that he developed the foundations of his philosophical thought.

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2. A prolific writer whose ideas have had a lasting impact

Aristotle was a prolific writer, covering a wide range of topics in his works. He wrote extensively on physics, biology, zoology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, poetry, theater, music, rhetoric, linguistics, politics and government. His writings have had a lasting impact on many of these fields, and his ideas are still studied and discussed today. His works have been translated into many languages and continue to be a source of inspiration for scholars and students alike.

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3. One of the most influential philosophers in history

Aristotle is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Western philosophy. He was the first to create a comprehensive system of thought, encompassing logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and aesthetics. His works have been studied for centuries and continue to be a major source of inspiration for modern philosophers. His ideas have had a profound impact on the development of Western civilization, and his influence can be seen in many aspects of our lives today.

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4. Aristotle, the Taught Alexander the Great

Aristotle, the renowned Greek philosopher, was the tutor of Alexander the Great between 356 and 323 BCE. During this time, Aristotle taught Alexander a variety of topics, including philosophy, rhetoric, and science. Aristotle's teachings had a profound impact on Alexander, who went on to become one of the most successful military commanders in history. Alexander's conquests spread Greek culture and ideas throughout the ancient world, and his legacy still resonates today.

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5. Aristotle is widely regarded as the first scientist

Aristotle is widely regarded as the first genuine scientist in history, and his influence on the scientific community is undeniable. His works on topics such as physics, biology, zoology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, poetry, theatre, music, rhetoric, psychology, linguistics, economics, politics and government have been studied and admired for centuries. His contributions to the scientific world are so significant that every scientist owes him a debt of gratitude.

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6. Zoology Pioneer

Aristotle's zoological observations were incredibly ahead of their time, with some of them not being confirmed or refuted until the 19th century. His observations included the classification of animals into species, the recognition of the importance of anatomy in understanding the function of animals, and the recognition of the importance of the environment in the development of animals. His work was so influential that it was not until the 19th century that some of his observations were finally confirmed or refuted.

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7. Aristotle's Logic Revolutionized Thinking

Aristotle is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of all time, and his works contain the earliest known formal study of logic. This study was so groundbreaking that it was incorporated into modern formal logic in the late 19th century, and has since become an integral part of the field. His work has had a lasting impact on the way we think and reason, and continues to be studied and discussed by scholars today.

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8. Aristotelian Influence on Middle Ages

Aristotle's influence on philosophy and theology during the Middle Ages was immense. His teachings were highly respected by medieval Muslim intellectuals, who referred to him as "The First Teacher". His metaphysics had a profound impact on Judeo-Islamic philosophical and theological thought, and continues to shape Christian theology today, particularly in the scholastic tradition of the Catholic Church.

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9. Aristotle's Library Helped Him Write Hundreds of Books

Aristotle was a prolific writer, producing hundreds of books throughout his lifetime. To aid in this endeavour, he established a library in the Lyceum, which was filled with a vast array of books, manuscripts, and other resources. This library was instrumental in helping Aristotle to write and publish his works, and it is likely that many of his books would not have been possible without it.

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10. Aristotle's Influence on Physical Science Still Seen Today

Aristotle's influence on physical science was immense, and his views had a profound impact on medieval scholarship. His theories on the natural world, such as his four elements of earth, air, fire, and water, were widely accepted and used as the basis for many scientific studies. His ideas on motion, gravity, and the structure of the universe were also highly influential, and his works were studied and discussed by scholars throughout the Middle Ages. His influence on physical science was so great that it can still be seen in many aspects of modern science today.

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