Metaphysics

by Theophrastus, William David Ross (Translator), F. H. Fobes (Translator)

Metaphysics by Theophrastus is a philosophical treatise that explores the nature of reality, being, and existence. The book is a collection of lectures given by Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle, and is considered one of the earliest and most important works of metaphysics in Western philosophy.The book is divided into ten chapters, each of which deals with a different aspect of metaphysics. The first chapter discusses the nature of being and existence, while the second chapter explores the concept of substance. The third chapter delves into the idea of causation, while the fourth chapter examines the nature of change and transformation.The fifth chapter explores the concept of time and space, while the sixth chapter discusses the nature of infinity and finitude. The seventh chapter deals with the concept of universals and particulars, while the eighth chapter explores the nature of knowledge and truth.The ninth chapter discusses the nature of the soul and the afterlife, while the final chapter explores the concept of God and the divine.Throughout the book, Theophrastus draws on the ideas of his teacher, Aristotle, as well as other prominent philosophers of the time. He presents a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the fundamental concepts of metaphysics, providing readers with a deep understanding of the nature of reality and existence.Overall, Metaphysics by Theophrastus is a seminal work in the field of philosophy, and continues to be studied and debated by scholars and students of philosophy to this day.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Philosophy

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1979

About the author

Theophrastus (Greek: Θεόφραστος; c. 371 – c. 287 BC), a Greek native of Eresos in Lesbos, was the successor to Aristotle in the Peripatetic school. He came to Athens at a young age and initially studied in Plato's school. After Plato's death, he attached himself to Aristotle. Aristotle bequeathed to Theophrastus his writings and designated him as his successor at the Lyceum. Theophrastus presided over the Peripatetic school for thirty-six years, during which time the school flourished greatly. He is often considered the "father of botany" for his works on plants. After his death, the Athenians honoured him with a public funeral. His successor as head of the school was Strato of Lampsacus.

The interests of Theophrastus were wide ranging, extending from biology and physics to ethics and metaphysics. His two surviving botanical works, Enquiry into Plants[2] and On the Causes of Plants, were an important influence on medieval science. There are also surviving works On Moral Characters, On Sensation, On Stones, and fragments on Physics and Metaphysics. In philosophy, he studied grammar and language and continued Aristotle's work on logic. He also regarded space as the mere arrangement and position of bodies, time as an accident of motion, and motion as a necessary consequence of all activity. In ethics, he regarded happiness as depending on external influences as well as on virtue and famously said that "life is ruled by fortune, not wisdom."

Reviews

[Erick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theophrastus took over the leadership of the Peripatetic school after Aristotle. This work seems to have been an introduction to a larger work, or set of works, in the genre of physics/metaphysics. It mostly consists of him ruminating on questions regarding first principles.
It is interesting that Theophrastus was not above questioning some of his master's views. He finds problems in both Plato's and Aristotle's systems when it comes to motion/movement (kinesis). With Aristotle he sees it as inconsistent that a first mover could set into motion bodies with disparate forms of motion, e.g. planets move differently. With Plato he finds it problematic that the forms could be both at rest and in motion apart from sensible reality.
Quite an interesting little work. I do intend to read some more of Theophrastus in the not too distant future. Many of his works are fragmentary, but he was an important figure in the tradition of Aristotelianism.

[Gökçe · Rating 4 out of 5]

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