Join us on an intellectually rigorous journey through Aristotle’s conception of physics as a scientific discipline in our upcoming Lyceum Institute Seminar. Why study the physics of an ancient thinker? One might think (and many do) Aristotle’s scientific work obsolesced by the discoveries of modernity. In truth, while he may have been mistaken in particular conclusions, the insights produced by the Stagyrite pass the test of time; and persisting in ignorance of them undermines much thinking today. Through this seminar, we will demonstrate the perennial merits of the Physics and bring to light essential truths concerning the study and understanding of nature.
This study begins with a foundational examination of Aristotle’s logical methods, placing emphasis on discerning first principles, then turns to a structured analysis of pre-Socratic and Platonic challenges. With these preparations, participants will be primed to approach Aristotle’s Physics as proper hearers, equipped to grasp the profound depth of the Stagyrite’s scientific discourse in our rigorous examination of the scientific structure of the Physics.
It has often been a fault of philosophers—particularly in recent centuries, and sadly even among many who wish to retain the wisdom of tradition—that the natural world is not studied or understood, consigning its study to the sciences that investigate it through specialized means and instruments. But a philosophical grasp of nature is fruitful not only for the intellectual development of every individual: it is necessary for any scientist. Attaining insight into the meaning of natural phenomena cannot be achieved by the methods of modern science. Resolving their discovery into a coherent whole—seeing how the belong to the whole universe of experience—demands a higher study.
Challenge yourself. Registration closes June 6.
Schedule
| Discussion Sessions 1:30pm ET (World times) | Study Topics & Readings |
| Week I 06/02–06/08 | Aristotelian Science (ἐπιστήμη/episteme) » Lecture 1: The Logical Method for Knowing Nature (φύσις/phusis) with Necessity » Readings: »» Aristotle: Topics I.5, 9; Categories 1-5; Posterior Analytics I.1-10, 13, 18, and II.1-14, 19; Physics I.1. |
| Week II 06/09–06/15 | Change and Nature » Lecture 2: The General Definition of Natural Beings as Changing (κινούμενα/kinoumena) and the Parmenidean Challenge (ἔλεγχος/elenchos) » Readings: »» Aristotle: Physics, I.2-4. »» Parmenides: Truth (ἀλήθεια/aletheia). |
| Week III 06/16–06/22 | Principles of Nature » Lecture 3: The Principles (ἀρχαί/archai) of Nature (φύσις/phusis) & a Complete Response to the Parmenidean Challenge » Readings: »» Aristotle: Physics, I.5-9. |
| Week IV 06/23–06/29 | Definition, Division, and Causes » Lecture 4: The Definition of Nature, its Proper Division in the Sciences, and a general Account of Causes (αἴτιαι/aitiai) in Natural Demonstration » Readings: »» Aristotle: Physics, II.1-3, and 7. |
| BREAK | |
| Week V 07/07–07/13 | Chance and Necessity » Lecture 5: On Chance (αὐτόματον/automaton) as a Per Accidens Cause, Necessarily Presupposing Natural Causal Purpose/Perfection/Completion (τέλος) » Readings: »» Aristotle: Physics, II.4-6. |
| Week VI 07/14–07/20 | Teleological Necessity » Lecture 6: On the Necessity of Nature as Teleological and on Natural Demonstration on the Hypothesis (ἐξ ὑποθέσεως/ex hupotheseos) of the End (τέλος) » Readings: »» Aristotle: Physics, II.7-9. |
| Week VII 07/21–07/27 | Being in Motion » Lecture 7: Motion, Place, Void, Time, and the Classification and Continuity of Movement » Readings: »» Aristotle: Physics, III-VI. |
| Week VIII 07/28–08/03 | Unmoved Mover » Lecture 8: The Last First Principle of Nature: The Primary Un-Moved Mover, Comprehending all Natural Being as the Cause of Motion and Existence » Readings: »» Aristotle: Physics, VII-VIII. |
Registration is closed
Lyceum Institute seminar costs are structured on a principle of financial subsidiarity. There are three payment levels, priced according to likely levels of income. If you wish to take a seminar but cannot afford the suggested rate, it is acceptable to sign up at a less-expensive level. The idea is: pay what you can. Those who can pay more, should, so that those who cannot pay as much, need not. Lyceum Institute members receive a further discount (see here for details).
One payment covers all 8 weeks.
Pricing Comparison
| Standard price | Basic Lyceum Enrollment | Advanced Lyceum Enrollment | Premium Lyceum Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benefactor | $200 per seminar | $90 | 3 seminars included $90 after | 8 seminars included $90 after |
| Patron | $135 per seminar | $65 | 3 seminars included $65 after | 8 seminars included $65 after |
| Participant | $60 per seminar | $40 | 3 seminars included $40 after | 8 seminars included $40 after |
One response
[…] against the artificial. Nevertheless, it may prove difficult to understand (to which end, check out this upcoming seminar!). Aristotle, the father of all Western science, writes the […]