Topic: Aristotle's Metaphysics

In this course we shall begin from two directions, aiming towards the Aristotelian
Metaphysics from two starting points.  First, we shall look at those features of
Aristotle's early logic and account of scientific knowledge that led him to reject
the possibility of metaphysics.  Then, we shall consider how his criticism of Plato
and the Theory of Forms generated early Aristotelian conclusions about
language and ontology - outside the framework of a unified philosophy of being
qua being.  Here we shall look at selections from Metaphysics, Alpha, Mu, and
Nu, selected fragments from the early Aristotelian dialogue On the Ideas (peri
Ideon), selections from the Topics, and especially the early chapters of the
Categories.

All along, however, out attention will be on the Metaphysics, and most of our time
will be spent on it.  First, we shall look closely at Metaphysics Gamma, the
defense of the science of being qua being, discussion of its method, and the
arguments for the Law of Non-Contradiction.  We then move directly to the
central books of the Metaphysics, Zeta, Eta, and Theta (VII-IX), and the study of
substance.  Here the major problem of Aristotle's metaphysical thinking emerges:
what is substance?  By a close examination of these books, together with Book
Lambda (XII), we shall try to answer this question: Is substantial form or the
concrete individual or the Unmoved Mover the primary sort of substance in
Aristotle's mature ontology?  In the course of these books we shall also find
suggestive discussions of the notions of matter and form, actuality and
potentiality, essence and definition, the unity of definition, genus and matter,
individuation and identity, and much else.  If helpful, we shall gloss these
discussions with others from elsewhere in Aristotle's writings.

This course is intended for graduate students and advanced undergraduates.
Knowledge of Greek is not necessary but, of course, would be helpful.
Familiarity with philosophy and/or Greek thought and culture would also be of
benefit, as would some knowledge of the philosophical literature on language,
truth, meaning, and similar topics from Frege to the present.  The course would
be valuable for those interested in philosophy, classical Greek thought,
linguistics, and the history of philosophy, science and religious thought.