Aristotle In The Very Short Introduction Series
Readers may explore the volumes in Oxford University Press' "Very Short Introduction" series for a variety of reasons. The books are valuable to readers new to a subject. Such readers may want to expand their basic knowledge of a subject without delving into it in detail. Readers with knowledge of a subject may still want to read a well-informed introduction both to learn and also as a summary or refresher of their own understanding.
I am far from an expert on Aristotle, but I have studied some of his books in graduate-level philosophy seminars. Thus, I came to Jonathan Barnes' "Aristotle: A Very Short Introduction" (2000) reasonably informed. (In fact, Barnes' book is an edited version of an introduction to Aristotle he published in 1982, which I vaguely remember reading.) Barnes, Professor of Ancient Philosophy at the University of Geneva, is a master of his subject. He edited the Revised Oxford Translation of Aristotle and has published many books on the "Master of those who know" as well as other Greek philosophers. Readers can approach this introduction with confidence in the knowledge and background of the author.
The book shows its mastery by giving the reader the gist of Aristotle in a short space. A sign of knowledge, for Aristotle and many others, is the ability to separate the trivial from the essential and to explain in the circumstances or space made available. Aristotle's works are massive, wide-ranging, and complex. Most of the time, he is not a particularly graceful writer as is, for example, Plato. For readers of varying backgrounds in Aristotle, it is valuable to have the writings sorted out and organized, an effort which is itself Aristotelian.
Barnes views Aristotle as a scientist-philosopher. After a quick discussion of Aristotle's life, Barnes begins with Aristotle's biological investigations which are broader, more sophisticated, and more empirically based, than some would give him credit for. Barnes argues that Aristotle used his love for fact and for knowledge as the basis for philosophical conceptualization and organization rather than the other way round. Thus, Barnes views Aristotle's great contributions to logic as a way of schematizing and organizing empirically gathered information rather than a way of making facts fit preconceptions. He passes from biological science and logic to a consideration of Aristotle's physical theories and to his more recognizably philosophical work on the nature of knowledge and explanation, substance and metaphysics, and theology. Barnes passes quickly over Aristotle's large contributions to "practical" philosophy -- ethics and politics --- and to poetics.
Barnes explains Aristotle with a great deal of sympathy. He shows the reader that much may be learned from Aristotle's empiricism, from his love of knowledge, and from his understanding of the good life. His discussion of the teleological character of Aristotle's thought and its relationship to contemporary functionalism is particularly insightful. For all his admiration of Aristotle, Barnes states unequivocally that "Aristotle's account of the world is wholly exploded". Readers no longer turn to Aristotle to learn biology, physics, or logic even though his influence remains pervasive. Aristotle's metaphysics and ethics continue to be discussed and assessed among students of philosophy.
Barnes has written a valuable "very short introduction" to Aristotle. Readers without the inclination to pursue Aristotle further will get a good solid overview of his science and philosophy and of his importance. Students will be able to use this book to focus their reading. Those familiar with Aristotle will find this book a valuable quick summation. This book all told is an inspiring brief summary of the love of knowledge and wisdom, and of the life of the mind.
Robin Friedman
