Aristotelian Explorations

This book challenges several widespread views concerning Aristotle’s methods and practices of scientific and philosophical research. Taking central topics in psychology, zoology, astronomy and politics, Professor Lloyd explores generally unrecognised tensions between Aristotle’s deeply held a priori convictions and his remarkable empirical honesty in the face of complexities in the data or perceived difficult or exceptional cases. The picture that emerges of Aristotle’s actual engagement in scientific research and of his own reflections on that research is substantially more complex than is usually allowed.

• Author’s reputation • Centrality of Aristotle in the study of ancient philosophy and science • Success of previous paperbacks by Geoffrey Lloyd

Introduction: reading Aristotle; 1. The theories and practices of demonstration; 2. The relationship of psychology to zoology; 3. Fuzzy natures? 4. The master cook; 5. Spontaneous generation and metamorphosis; 6. The varieties of perception; 7. The unity of analogy; 8. Heavenly aberrations: Aristotle the amateur astronomer; 9. The idea of nature in the Politics; 10. The metaphors of metaphora.