Aristotle's Metaphysics Alpha

This volume features a thorough analysis of Aristotle's Metaphysics Alpha, exploring its significance in Greek philosophy and the philosopher's quest for wisdom, alongside a new edition of the Greek text.

Aristotle's Metaphysics Alpha features a collaborative effort from eleven scholars who provide an in-depth analysis of the first book of Aristotle's Metaphysics. This work is essential for understanding the early history of Greek philosophy and establishes the framework for Aristotle's pursuit of wisdom. The volume includes a newly edited Greek text and an introduction that explores the various interpretations of the text throughout history.

In this eighteenth volume of the 'Symposium Aristotelicum,' the distinguished contributors offer a chapter-by-chapter examination of Metaphysics Alpha. Aristotle articulates his philosophical mission as a quest for wisdom, which he believes is rooted in the comprehension of first principles that allow for the explanation of all existence. He critically assesses the viewpoints of earlier philosophers, culminating in a thorough discussion of Plato's theory of Forms, thereby setting the stage for his own philosophical assertions.

The volume consists of eleven chapters, each dedicated to different segments of the text, alongside a new edition of the Greek version of Metaphysics Alpha, meticulously prepared by Oliver Primavesi. This edition draws from a comprehensive analysis of the complex manuscript and indirect traditions. The introduction provides fresh perspectives on a longstanding debate regarding the relationship between the two distinct textual traditions, a question that has intrigued scholars since the time of Bekker. Overall, this work serves as a vital resource for anyone interested in Aristotle's foundational ideas and their implications for the broader landscape of philosophy.