The Myth of Aristotle's Development and the Betrayal of Metaphysics (Paperback)

Walter E. Wehrle

ISBN 10: 0847681610 / ISBN 13: 9780847681617

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Lanham, MD, 2001

About this Item

Paperback. In this radical reinterpretation of Aristotle's Metaphysics, Walter E. Wehrle demonstrates that developmental theories of Aristotle are based on a faulty assumption: that the fifth chapter of Categories ('substance') is an early theory of metaphysics that Aristotle later abandoned. The ancient commentators unanimously held that the Categories was semantical and not metaphysical, and so there was no conflict between it and the Metaphysics proper. They were right, Wehrle argues: the modern assumption, to the contrary, is based on a medieval mistake and is perpetuated by the anti-metaphysical postures of contemporary philosophy. Furthermore, by using the logico-semantical distinction in Aristotle's works, Wehrle shows just how the principal 'contradictions' in Metaphysics Books VII and VIII can be resolved. The result in an interpretation of Aristotle that challenges mainstream viewpoints, revealing a supreme philosopher in sharp contrast to the developmentalists' version. In this radical reinterpretation of Aristotle's Metaphysics, Walter E. Wehrle demonstrates that developmental theories of Aristotle are based on a faulty assumption: that the fifth chapter of Categories ('substance') is an early theory of metaphysics that Aristotle later abandoned. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780847681617

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Myth of Aristotle's Development and the Betrayal of Metaphysics (Paperback)
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Lanham, MD
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0847681610
• ISBN 13: 9780847681617
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

In this radical reinterpretation of Aristotle's Metaphysics, Walter E. Wehrle demonstrates that developmental theories of Aristotle are based on a faulty assumption: that the fifth chapter of Categories ('substance') is an early theory of metaphysics that Aristotle later abandoned. The ancient commentators unanimously held that the Categories was semantical and not metaphysical, and so there was no conflict between it and the Metaphysics proper. They were right, Wehrle argues: the modern assumption, to the contrary, is based on a medieval mistake and is perpetuated by the anti-metaphysical postures of contemporary philosophy. Furthermore, by using the logico-semantical distinction in Aristotle's works, Wehrle shows just how the principal 'contradictions' in Metaphysics Books VII and VIII can be resolved. The result in an interpretation of Aristotle that challenges mainstream viewpoints, revealing a supreme philosopher in sharp contrast to the developmentalists' version.

About the Author

Walter Wehrle was professor of philosophy at George Mason University until his death in March of 1996.