Aristotle: The Founder of Western Scientific Thought

Youth and Training under Plato

Born in 384 BC in Stagira (Macedonia), Aristotle (384-322 BC) joined Plato's Academy in Athens at the age of 17, where he studied for 20 years under Plato (427-347 BC). He distinguished himself with his critical mind, declaring: "Plato is dear to me, but truth is dearer still."

Tutor to Alexander the Great

In 343 BC, he became the tutor of young Alexander (356-323 BC) at the Macedonian court. This relationship later allowed him to obtain resources for his research in natural history.

Founding of the Lyceum and Encyclopedic Works

Returning to Athens in 335 BC, he founded the Lyceum, where he taught while walking (hence the name "Peripatetics"). His works cover:

• Logic (syllogism)
• Metaphysics (concept of "first cause")
• Natural sciences (classification of animals)
• Ethics (golden mean)
• Politics (theory of constitutions)

Major Scientific Contributions

Aristotle laid the foundations for:

• The observational method (empiricism)
• Classification of living beings (precursor to taxonomy)
• Theory of four causes (material, formal, efficient, final)
• Physics of motion (though partially incorrect)

His influence extended to Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) and medieval scholasticism.

Main Works and Legacy

Among his preserved writings (about 30% of his production):

• Organon (treatise on logic)
• Metaphysics
• Physics
• Nicomachean Ethics
• Politics