Aristotle's Categories in the Early Roman Empire

This scholarly work explores the impact of Aristotle's Categories on philosophical thought in the early Roman Empire, examining key figures and debates.

This volume provides a comprehensive study of the origins and evolution of philosophical interest in Aristotle's Categories. It highlights how, after centuries of neglect, this pivotal work became a focal point of philosophical discourse during the first century BCE. The Categories was subsequently adopted as the fundamental introductory text for philosophy within both the Aristotelian and Platonic traditions, marking a significant shift in educational paradigms.

In his analysis, Michael Griffin builds upon previous research to reconstruct fragments of the earliest commentaries on the Categories. He sheds light on the initial arguments supporting Aristotle's logical framework as the cornerstone of higher education. A key figure in this narrative is Andronicus of Rhodes, whose critical role in elevating the text's status is meticulously examined. Griffin explores the motivations behind Andronicus's interest, revealing insights into the intellectual climate of the time.

The book also delves into the debates between Platonic and Stoic philosophers regarding the Categories, offering explanations for its eventual integration into the mainstream of both schools of thought. Spanning the period from the first century BCE to the third century CE, this volume emphasizes individual philosophers whose contributions can be traced through later Neoplatonic sources, including notable figures such as Eudorus of Alexandria and Pseudo-Archytas.