Aristotle, Metaphysics, book Λ

Book Λ (= ΧΙΙ) of the Metaphysics starts with an inquiry which condenses the main lines of Aristotle’s conception of natural substances and then climbs up a steep, stunning sequence of arguments for the eternity of time and change and ultimately for the existence of an eternal, divine unmoved mover. According to an ancient and influential interpretation, which has not gone unchallenged, Aristotle intends this as the culmination of his project in the Metaphysics and as his only or at least main account of “first philosophy”. We shall read the text of book Λ in the original Greek; discuss the many philological problems it poses, also in connection with broader discussions concerning the textual transmission of the Metaphysics; examine and assess its subtle and powerful arguments; discuss the structure and purpose of the book and its role in the context of the Metaphysics. 

A further series of specific investigations – concerning individual passages or themes, the relation between the book and other ancient texts, or its reception over time – will be proposed in the seminar papers delivered by the students of both the ordinary and the PhD course.