At seventeen, Aristotle moved to Athens, which was then the epicenter of Greek intellectual life. There, he studied under Plato for approximately twenty years. Plato, a student of Socrates, had established his Academy in Athens, a pioneering institution dedicated to philosophical inquiry and discussion. Plato’s teachings were deeply rooted in the theory of Forms, which posited that non-material abstract forms (or Ideas) were the most accurate reality. This theory was foundational for his metaphysical and epistemological perspectives.
Aristotle's two decades with Plato were formative. While Aristotle admired Plato’s rigor and depth, he began to question the applicability of Plato's abstract ideas to the natural world. This intellectual divergence marked the beginning of Aristotle's development of his own philosophical system, which emphasized empirical observation and categorization over Plato's idealism.
After Plato’s death, Aristotle returned to Macedon, where he became the tutor to Alexander the Great, the son of King Philip II. This role was pivotal, as Aristotle's teachings helped shape the future conqueror’s worldview and intellectual development, potentially influencing his approach to governance and military strategy.
In 335 BCE, Aristotle established his own school, the Lyceum, named in honor of Apollo Lyceus. Unlike Plato, who focused heavily on abstract Forms, Aristotle emphasized empirical observation and natural science. His approach was pioneering, marking a significant shift towards systematic investigation of the natural world.
For twelve years, Aristotle dedicated himself to organizing the Lyceum as a hub for scientific and philosophical research. His prolific output included numerous lectures and texts on a wide range of subjects, from biology and physics to ethics and metaphysics. He was a rigorous observer, often criticizing contemporary myths and proposing theories based on empirical evidence.
One notable theory proposed by Aristotle was the hydrological cycle, where he suggested that the sea’s warmth caused evaporation, which then condensed and fell as rain. This early model of the water cycle demonstrated his commitment to understanding natural phenomena through observation and reasoning.
Aristotle passed away in 322 BCE in Chalcis on the island of Euboea, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced countless fields of knowledge and thought. His contributions remain a cornerstone of philosophy and science, underscoring his role as a transformative figure in ancient intellectual history.
Aristotle: Life, Influence, and Legacy of a Pioneering Philosopher
