The Relationship Between Aristotles Conception of...

The relationship between Aristotles conception of metaphysics, epistemology, and mans desire to know is extremely intricate. These notions have an inherent interrelation with one another, which is tied to his concept of being as being. Aristotles idea of the first science (Aristotle 79), which was eventually called metaphysics, revolves about the concept that prior to other forms of science that pertain to empirical evidence and certain facets that can be examined in terms of their physical qualities, such as astronomy or certain forms of mathematics, there is a fundamental form of science that can explain the root cause of these other events and proclivities. The most important thing to understand regarding the philosophers tenet of being as being is that it is essentially at the core of his notion of metaphysics, and plays a significant role in development of epistemology. What Aristotle is actually referring to in the quotation men by nature have a desire to know is mans basic nature which is of material substance. Men therefore, have a number of different senses (most of which are physical, some of which are not) that they use to perceive other aspects of life and its different facets. Therefore, these senses are what men use to observe, interact with, and ultimately understand the world around them. As a material being man has been endowed with such senses; therefore, he inherently has this propensity for using those senses for perceiving and understanding theShow MoreRelatedEthics and Related Philosophies4468 Words   |  18 Pagesmethod for direct perception of the Form of the Good. Philosopher  Karl Popper  describes the diale ctic as the art of intellectual intuition, of visualising the divine originals, the Forms or Ideas, of unveiling the Great Mystery behind the common mans everyday world of appearances.  In a similar vein, French philosopher  Pierre Hadotsuggests that the dialogues are a type of spiritual exercise. Furthermore, writes Hadot, in Platos view, every dialectical exercise, precisely because it is an exerciseRead MorePolitical Philosophy and Plato Essay9254 Words   |  38 Pagespedagogy in which a series of questions are asked not only to draw individual answers, but also to encourage fundamental insight into the issue at hand. It is Platos Socrates that also made important and lasting contributions to the fields of epistemology and logic, and the influence of his ideas and approach remains strong in providing a foundation for much western philosophy that followed. As one recent commentator has put it, Plato, the idealist, offers an idol, a master figure, for philosophy