Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and scientist who lived in the 4th century BCE. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Western thought.
Philosopher was born in 384 BCE in Stagira, on the northern periphery of Macedon. He studied at Plato’s Academy in Athens from 367 to 347 BCE before becoming a tutor to Alexander the Great. After Alexander’s death, Aristotle returned to Athens and founded his own school, known as the Lyceum. He died there in 322 BCE.
In fact, Aristotle’s writings on logic, physics, biology and ethics were essential for later philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas and Francis Bacon. His ideas about logic led to what we now know as the scientific method: observation followed by experimentation and analysis. He also developed many theories about biology that were later proved true by modern science (such as his notion that humans have multiple “natures”). His work on ethics focused on virtues such as courage and justice, which he believed were essential for happiness.
Aristotle was one of the most prolific writers in Western history. His writings cover many aspects of science and philosophy including biology, logic and psychology but they are perhaps best known for their impact on logic and epistemology (the study of knowledge). In addition to his own works, Aristotle’s views were preserved through quotations by later writers such as Plutarch and Cicero who wrote about him after he died.
