Aristotle

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher, and a student of Plato. He wrote about politics, philosophy, linguistics, metaphysics, logic, biology, zoology, poetry and physics. He also taught Alexander the Great, and is considered one of the most prominent figures in Western philosophy.

What’s really impressive is that all aspects of his philosophy are still taught today. Although many of his writings are now lost, approximately 1/3 of his original works still survive. Born in 384 BC in Stageira, Chalcidice, he went to Athens at age 18 to study at Plato’s Academy. He studied there for 20 years.

In 343 BC he was invited to become the tutor to Alexander the Great, who was the son of Philip II of Macedon. He was eventually appointed the head of the royal academy of Macedon, and also taught two future kings, Ptolemy and Cassander. Aristotle favored monarchy only if the virtue of the king and his family were greater than the virtue of all of the citizens put together.

In 335 BC he established his own school in Athens, called the Lyceum. He composed many of his works during this time over the next 12 years. He not only studied every subject possible, but made significant contributions to each subject.

A Practical Philosophy

As one of the greatest philosophers of the classical world, he brought much wisdom and knowledge to the areas of government, science, art, drama, ethics and law. One of his most famous books was The Art of Rhetoric, which presents the keys to successful public speaking. It is based on the elements of goodwill, common sense, and moral virtue. These attributes of a person’s character can be nourished and cultivated to eliminate many challenges in a person’s life.

”Perfection in the job puts perfection in the work.”—Aristotle

His works included many ideas about psychological causes such as motives and volition which give purpose to behavior. The emphasis is on intention. Even a person with a learning disorder or behavior disorder can achieve well being or happiness through deliberate action. Initially a person is mentored by experience and teachers, but at a later time one learns to consciously do the right thing. Aristotle died of natural causes in Euboea in 322 BC. Even today he is considered one of the most influential people who ever lived. He contributed much to logic and the scientific method.

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