Along with Plato and Socrates, Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) is one of the triumvirate of philosophers responsible for the establishment of Western philosophy as it exists today. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were among the first to refine philosophical thought, and Socrates is credited with devising the Socratic Method as a way to argue and debate points rationally. The Ancient Greek philosophers further stressed the importance of virtue and stoicism, advocating the improvement of one's self through constant learning and ...
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Along with Plato and Socrates, Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) is one of the triumvirate of philosophers responsible for the establishment of Western philosophy as it exists today. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were among the first to refine philosophical thought, and Socrates is credited with devising the Socratic Method as a way to argue and debate points rationally. The Ancient Greek philosophers further stressed the importance of virtue and stoicism, advocating the improvement of one's self through constant learning and knowledge. These teachings and practices formed the foundation for philosophy and psychology as fields of study. Still, Aristotle was very much his own philosopher. Though he studied at Plato's famous academy, he was not hesitant to counter or criticize Plato's philosophical stances on certain issues. Aristotle was the most renowned Ancient Greek philosopher for nearly 2,000 years. Aristotle's book on Poetics is the earliest surviving work on dramatic theory and the first philosophical look at literary theory. Aristotle discusses the first principles of poetry and its genres and basic elements.
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Humanities will change only when the humans change too. Until then, some truths remain unchallanged. Such is the case of Aristotle's Poetics. It says it all concerning what critic and public should know about the essentials of esthetics, in particular, but not exclusively tied to, literary arts. Art theorry since Aristotle has been little but expanding on the insights offered by The Philosopher. A nice, handy edition, too.
Linda5199
Jun 1, 2007
Aristotle Poetics
This was a book I was assigned to read in my Greek Drama class. It is written by Aristotle and describes how Greek plays were performed. It is very dry reading. This is definitely not a book you would read unless it was assigned reading in a class.