Searching for: "Aristotle"
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Aristotle's Poetics is best known for its definition and analysis of tragedy and comedy, but it also applies to truth and beauty as they are manifested in the other arts. In our age, when the natural and social sciences have dominated the quest for truth, it is helpful to consider why Aristotle claimed: 'poetry is more philosophical and more significant than history.' Like so many other works by Aristotle, the Poetics has dominated the way we have thought about all forms of dramatic performance in Europe and America ever since. The essence of poetry lies in its ability to transcend the particulars of everyday experience and articulate universals, not merely what has happened but what might...read more
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Aristotle's Poetics (Greek: Περὶ ποιητικῆς; Latin: De Poetica) is the earliest surviving work of dramatic theory and first extant philosophical treatise to focus on literary theory. In it, Aristotle offers an account of what he calls 'poetry' (a term that derives from a classical Greek term, ποιητής, that means 'poet; author; maker' and in this context includes verse drama – comedy, tragedy, and the satyr play – as well as lyric poetry and epic poetry). They are similar in the fact that they are all imitations but different in the three ways that Aristotle describes: Differences in music rhythm, harmony, meter and melody. Difference of goodness in the...read more
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What we can learn about fostering innovation and creative thinking from some of the most inventive people of all times-the ancient Greeks. When it comes to innovation and creative thinking, we are still catching up with the ancient Greeks. Between 800 and 300 BCE, they changed the world with astonishing inventions-democracy, the alphabet, philosophy, logic, rhetoric, mathematical proof, rational medicine, coins, architectural canons, drama, lifelike sculpture, and competitive athletics. None of this happened by accident. Recognizing the power of the new and trying to understand and promote the conditions that make it possible, the Greeks were the first to write about innovation and even...read more
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The Art of Rhetoric, a guide on the principles behind oratorical skill, is a core text on the art of persuasion. Aristotle contends that rhetoric is one of the key elements of philosophy - along with logic and dialectic. The work consists of three books: the first is a general overview, the second concerns the means of persuasion that an orator must deploy, and the third discusses elements of style and arrangement. This recording also includes The Poetics, the earliest surviving work of dramatic theory, which has exerted a huge influence on Western drama and literature. It demonstrates how plot, character and spectacle can be combined to produce maximum impact in drama - and tragedy in...read more
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An inviting and accessible new translation of Aristotle's complete Poetics-the first and best introduction to the art of writing and understanding stories Aristotle's Poetics is the most important book ever written for writers and readers of stories-whether novels, short fiction, plays, screenplays, or nonfiction. Aristotle was the first to identify the keys to plot, character, audience perception, tragic pleasure, and dozens of other critical points of good storytelling. Despite being written more than 2,000 years ago, the Poetics remains essential reading for anyone who wants to learn how to write a captivating story-or understand how such stories work and achieve their psychological...read more
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Aristotle's On Longevity and Shortness of Life takes a holistic look at the factors that contribute to a long and healthy life. Aristotle examines the role of nature, habit, and reason in living a virtuous life. He argues that a good life is one that is in accordance with nature, and that living in accordance with nature is the key to a long and healthy life. Read in English,...read more
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On Sense and the Sensible by Aristotle is a philosophical text that discusses the nature of sensation and how it relates to knowledge. Aristotle argues that the senses are the foundation of all knowledge, and that the sensible world is the only true reality. He also contends that the intellect is not capable of grasping abstract concepts without the aid of the senses. Read in English,...read more
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Aristotle's On Sleep and Sleeplessness is a treatise on the nature of sleep and wakefulness. In it, Aristotle discusses the various causes of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each. He also offers some practical advice on how to achieve a good night's sleep. Read in English,...read more
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Aristotle's Poetics is a work of literary criticism that investigates the nature of tragedy. In the work, Aristotle defines the key characteristics of tragedy and provides and in-depth analysis of several famous works of Greek tragedy. The Poetics is considered one of the most influential works of literary criticism in history and has had a profound impact on the development of Western theatre. Read in English,...read more
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Plato, Aristotle, Marcus Aurelius, and Cicero are some of the famous names whose wit and wisdom are included in this audiobook, ‘700 Quotations from Ancient Philosophy’. This group of Greek philosophers, Roman Statesmen and Emperors is responsible for some of the world's best-known quotes, including 'It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.' and 'Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.' Their wit and wisdom continue to inspire, educate, and entertain to this day thus making this collection ideal for those needing some philosophical guidance. - Plato, Aristotle, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Cicero, Seneca the...read more
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While wisdom is something to be accrued through experience and knowledge, ‘500 Quotes to Learn Wisdom from Classical Greek Philosophers’ offers a shortcut. Dipping into the minds of some of the most revered thinkers of Ancient Greece, this book is packed with insights, reflections, and observations sure to inspire and stimulate thought. A superb gift for anyone with an inquiring mind. - Considered one of the founders of Western and Greek philosophy, Plato (243 BC – 347 BC) was born in Athens. Many of his works are still studied to this day. Born in Stagira, Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC) had a different take on philosophy. The founder of the peripatetic school, his doctrines...read more
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In his work On Memory and Reminiscence, Aristotle explores the nature of memory and how it works. He differentiates between two types of memory: active and passive. Active memory is when we actively recall something, while passive memory is when we remember something without consciously trying to do so. Aristotle also discusses the role of reminiscence in our lives, arguing that it helps us to understand the world and ourselves better. Read in English,...read more
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Aristotle's 'On Life and Death' is a work that explores the concepts of life and death from a philosophical perspective. In this work, Aristotle seeks to understand what life and death are, and why they exist. He also delves into the nature of human beings and how they relate to these two concepts. Ultimately, Aristotle concludes that life and death are natural processes that all things must experience. Read in English,...read more
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In his work On Interpretation, Aristotle seeks to uncover the underlying principles of language and meaning. He begins by examining the nature of signs and symbols, and how they are used to communicate information. He then goes on to explore the relationship between language and reality, and how our understanding of words is shaped by our experience of the world. Ultimately, Aristotle concludes that language is a tool for understanding reality, and that its meaning is determined by the way we use it. Read in English,...read more
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Aristotle's 'On Prophesying by Dreams' is a philosophical work that discusses the nature of dreams and their interpretation. Aristotle believes that dreams are a way for the soul to communicate with the body, and that they can be interpreted to reveal hidden desires or truths. He also believes that some dreams are prophetic, and can foretell future events. Read in English,...read more
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In his treatise On Dreams, Aristotle offers a detailed analysis of the phenomenon of dreaming. He begins by outlining the different types of dreams that people experience, before going on to explore the causes and purposes of dreaming. Aristotle's account of dreaming is both nuanced and insightful, offering a rich understanding of this common human experience. His work remains relevant today, as it provides a valuable perspective on the nature of dreams and their significance in our lives. Read in English,...read more
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Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics is one of the greatest guides to human flourishing ever written, but its length and style have left many readers languishing. How to Flourish is a colloquial new translation by Susan Sauve Meyer that makes Aristotle's timeless insights about how to lead a good life more engaging and accessible than ever before. For Aristotle, flourishing involves becoming a good person through practice, and having a life of the mind. To that end, he draws vivid portraits of virtuous and vicious characters and offers sound practical advice about everything from eating and drinking to managing money, controlling anger, getting along with others, and telling jokes. He also...read more
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'Politics: A Treatise on Government' is a classic work of political philosophy written by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. The book is one of the most influential works in the history of political thought and is widely regarded as one of the foundational texts of Western political theory. In 'Politics', Aristotle sets out to examine the nature of political communities and to provide a systematic analysis of different forms of government. He discusses the virtues and vices of various political systems, including democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny, and he explores the idea of the ideal state and how it might be achieved. The book is organized into eight books, each of which...read more
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'The Ethics of Aristotle' is a timeless classic of philosophy that continues to influence ethical thinking today. In this work, Aristotle explores the nature of morality, virtue, and the good life, drawing on his extensive knowledge of human psychology and the nature of the world. With a focus on practical wisdom and the development of character, Aristotle lays out a comprehensive ethical system that is grounded in reason and guided by a sense of purpose. His ideas on friendship, justice, and the role of the individual in society have had a profound impact on Western thought and continue to be studied and debated by philosophers, scholars, and everyday readers alike. 'The Ethics of...read more
