Structure and Method in Aristotle's Meteorologica
Structure and Method in Aristotle's <I>Meteorologica</I>
In the first full-length study in any modern language dedicated to the Meteorologica, Malcolm Wilson presents a groundbreaking interpretation of Aristotle's natural philosophy. Divided into two parts, the book first addresses general philosophical and scientific issues by placing the treatise in a diachronic frame comprising Aristotle's predecessors and in a synchronic frame comprising his other physical works. It argues that Aristotle thought of meteorological phenomena as intermediary or 'dualizing' between the cosmos as a whole and the manifold world of terrestrial animals. Engaging with the best current literature on Aristotle's theories of science and metaphysics, Wilson focuses on issues of aetiology, teleology and the structure and unity of science. The second half of the book illustrates Aristotle's principal concerns in a section-by-section treatment of the meteorological phenomena and provides solutions to many of the problems that have been raised since the time of the ancient commentators.
- Breaks new ground as the first full-length English study on this major work
- Provides an accessible section-by-section analysis of Aristotle's treatise, making it an indispensable reference source for anyone interested in the history of meteorology
- Offers a new interpretation of Aristotle's natural philosophy, showing how his discussions of physics and biology form a coherent unity
Reviews & endorsements
'Anyone interested in Aristotle's conception of the cosmos or his scientific method should find this material (and Wilson's accounts of them) of great interest … My reaction to this book is overwhelmingly positive.' Robert Mayhew, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
'In this remarkable book, Malcolm Wilson returns Meteorologica I-III to its important place in Aristotle's account of the natural world.' Craig Martin, Early Science and Medicine
Product details
March 2016Paperback
9781107617254
322 pages
230 × 155 × 16 mm
0.47kg
12 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. The rebirth of meteorology
- 2. From elements to exhalations
- 3. The exhalations
- 4. The biological method
- 5. Teleology in the Meteorologica
- 6. Kapnosphere
- 7. Condensation and precipitation (1.9-12)
- 8. Fresh waters (1.13-14)
- 9. The sea (2.1-3)
- 10. Winds (2.4-6)
- 11. Earthquakes and stormy phenomena (2.7-3.1)
- 12. Reflections (3.2-6)
- 13. Minerals and metals.
