Aristotle's 'Metaphysics': A Reader's Guide

by Edward Halper

Aristotle'sMetaphysics is an extremely rich and important philosophical work thatcontinues to inspire reflection and debate. Indeed, no philosophical work hasbeen more influential.Yet, the Metaphysics is also notoriouslycomplex.Because the work is an inquirythat seeks to discover solutions to problems rather than to defend doctrines,readers often struggle to follow the text and to understand its finalsolutions.This book focuses on thefascinating metaphysical issues that Aristotle is addressing. By working through the text, Halper explainshow these issues arise, how the text engages them, and how it argues forsolutions.Besides showing how to read thetext, Halper aims to help readers reflect on the issues. Aristotle's AReader's Guide presents a concise and accessible introduction to the text,offering invaluable guidance Philosophical context- Key themes- Readingthe text- Reception and influence- Further reading

Genres: Philosophy

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halper is a guide worth following, though anyone who has read any Aristotle should know enough not to expect a casual romp. The Reader's Guide is at times almost as difficult as the original text, but this is a deliberate decision to let Aristotle remain difficult -- to make matters worse, Halper even asks some difficult questions of his own. This may displease some.

Halper is the author of a much more thorough examination of the problem of "the one and the many" in the Metaphysics, a problem which fascinated Aristotle, and that somewhat esoteric interest bleeds over into this Reader's Guide. While I suppose the problem is important if Aristotle was so concerned about it, I found it somewhat distracting. But for the most part Halper charts a straight course through the thicket. I read the Guide in tandem with Joe Sachs' translation of the Metaphysics; Halper uses the traditional Latinized translation, while Sachs does not, but I found the combination of the two very helpful in reaching a new understanding of the text.