Where to start with Aristotle?

[Asimis]

Hi,
I am interested in reading Aristotle and would like to hear some recommendations of where to start.
I was thinking, given the good reviews, that "Aristotle: A Very Short Introduction" would be a good starting point and then start by reading his "Metaphysics".

What do you think? Any suggestion is welcome.

Thanks!

[Acapiteadcalcem]

I would recommend both a primer in philosophy to read along with an introduction to philosophy.

Here are a couple of excellent introductions to Aristotle from reliable sources:

Aristotle for Everybody: Difficult Thought Made Easy by Mortimer Adler
ISBN-10: 0020641117

Aristotle: A Contemporary Appreciation by Henry Veatch
ISBN-10: 0253201748

I would also recommend reading a general introduction to philosophy which can put Aristotle into the context of the pre-socratics and Scholastic thought:

An Introduction to Philosophy by Jacques Maritain
ISBN-10: 0742550532

Happy reading!

[Jim Baur]

Again: Aristotle for Everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chipeto]

I think it is very important to understand the Presocratics (I don't remember the name of the text I have). Also, Plato. Much of what Aristotle has to say is in direct response to these. When I started reading Aristotle, I felt lost because I didn't have this background. But perhaps you already know these...

[Asimis]

Originally Posted by chipeto

I think it is very important to understand the Presocratics (I don't remember the name of the text I have). Also, Plato. Much of what Aristotle has to say is in direct response to these. When I started reading Aristotle, I felt lost because I didn't have this background. But perhaps you already know these...

Well, to what extent must one know the Pre-socratics and Plato before reading Aristotle? I have the volume of Plato which you linked to but I have only read the Symposium and I have also listened to a lecture on Greek Philosophy by The Teaching Company which covers the Pre-Socratics, Socrates and Plato.

Would that be enough? If I decide to read a book like "Aristotle: A Very Short Introduction", wouldn't it provide the necessary background/foundation to then jump to read directly Aristotle's works?

Thanks for the responses so far!

[James224]

Originally Posted by Asimis

Hi,
I am interested in reading Aristotle and would like to hear some recommendations of where to start.
I was thinking, given the good reviews, that "Aristotle: A Very Short Introduction" would be a good starting point and then start by reading his "Metaphysics".

What do you think? Any suggestion is welcome.

Thanks!

For a crash course in one book as an introduction, I would recommend "The Last Superstition" by Edward Feser. He's a Thomist. I'm new to this but really enjoyed his book.

[chipeto]

Originally Posted by Asimis

Well, to what extent must one know the Pre-socratics and Plato before reading Aristotle? I have the volume of Plato which you linked to but I have only read the Symposium and I have also listened to a lecture on Greek Philosophy by The Teaching Company which covers the Pre-Socratics, Socrates and Plato.

Would that be enough? If I decide to read a book like "Aristotle: A Very Short Introduction", wouldn't it provide the necessary background/foundation to then jump to read directly Aristotle's works?

I don't know enough to say. I'm not sure how well these modern introductions cover the necessary material; I've not read any of them.

[Asimis]

Originally Posted by chipeto

I don't know enough to say. I'm not sure how well these modern introductions cover the necessary material; I've not read any of them.

Fair enough, what do you consider the necessary material to be? If one is already familiar with St. Augustine, St. Thomas and Thomism, would this provide a good foundation?

[Asimis]

I was recommended in another board to read his Physics and On The Soul before jumping into his Metaphysics as these would give the concepts and foundation which that work presupposes.

[Acapiteadcalcem]

I would recommend starting with the Categories, since these provide a foundation for all his works.

I would also recommend reading Aristotle through Thomas Aquinas' commentaries; his commentaries on both Physics and Metaphysics contain Aristotle's text with Thomas' commentary--so you get two great thinkers in one!

[Asimis]

Originally Posted by Acapiteadcalcem

I would recommend starting with the Categories, since these provide a foundation for all his works.

Ah, cool...thanks

I would also recommend reading Aristotle through Thomas Aquinas' commentaries; his commentaries on both Physics and Metaphysics contain Aristotle's text with Thomas' commentary--so you get two great thinkers in one!

Do you know of a good resource where they may be found online?

[PoliSciProf]

Some good suggestions here. If you are doing The Politics, try the Carnes Lord translation.

[Acapiteadcalcem]

Originally Posted by Asimis

Do you know of a good resource where they may be found online?

I got mine from Amazon for a good price.

[Asimis]

Originally Posted by Acapiteadcalcem

I got mine from Amazon for a good price.

Yes it is there. I wonder, is it readable? I heard that the style is rather tedious given that the commentary proceeds in a line by line basis.

[OrdinaryMelkite]

Nichomachean Ethics.

Best place to start.

I also agree with Aristotle For Everybody.