I want to learn Aristotle's philosophy, but don't know where to begin

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Basically. as far as I am aware, it’s widely held–Especially by Catholics–that of all the philosophers, Aristotle was “the guy”. To begin with, I don’t much about Greek philosophy though I would like to work my way into Aristotle. Some people seem to suggest getting a feel for Plato first, or to start with some comparative books. I don’t know if it’s prudent to just pop open one of Aristotle’s or Plato’s works themselves, so I’m thinking an introduction book might be good. I hear Mortimer Adler has a good introduction to Aristotle. Really, I want a solid foundation to get the ball rolling. Can anybody with experience and wisdom in this area point me in the right direction or prescribe a leaping off point?
 
You could go to college for that, if you haven’t already. A few colleges use the works of Aristotle in their philosophy courses. Do your research, and you can probably find a few colleges that offer courses in philosophy using Aristotle’s works.

Alternately, you might purchased a book of Aristotle’s teaching along with a companion guide or buy a book that discuss a topic of interest, citing Aristotle. I know a professor from Christendom College wrote on friendship referring to Aristotle, a lot. Since I met the man personally a few times, it’s fair to say that his books probably refer to Aristotle’s teachings a lot. The author’s name is Dr. John Cuddeback. One of his works is “Friendship: the Art of Happiness.”

I hope that helps you.
 
I would recommend getting a copy of The Basic Works of Aristotle, edited by Richard McKeon; it has several of the most important primary texts of Aristotle with good explanatory notes. I would also recommend Fr. Frederick Copleston, SJ’s History of Philosophy, Volume I (although all of them are worth getting and can be had relatively cheaply if one buys used). Both of these are standard textbooks at my seminary for the philosophy program and the latter especially is much beloved by seminarians for its brevity and clarity of summarizing the thought of Plato and Aristotle.

-ACEGC
 
MJDorry said:
Basically. as far as I am aware, it’s widely held–Especially by Catholics–that of all the philosophers, Aristotle was “the guy”. To begin with, I don’t much about Greek philosophy though I would like to work my way into Aristotle. Some people seem to suggest getting a feel for Plato first, or to start with some comparative books. I don’t know if it’s prudent to just pop open one of Aristotle’s or Plato’s works themselves, so I’m thinking an introduction book might be good. I hear Mortimer Adler has a good introduction to Aristotle. Really, I want a solid foundation to get the ball rolling. Can anybody with experience and wisdom in this area point me in the right direction or prescribe a leaping off point?
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Mortimer Adler is certainly good. Why not go to Thomas Aquinas first? There is a great little book by Edward Feser called " Aquinas " which you might be able to get at a library or you can buy it for about $18. You can find a lot of info on line just by using google for either Aristotle or Thomas Aquinas. Warning, they are not easy. 👍
 
MJDorry said:
Basically. as far as I am aware, it’s widely held–Especially by Catholics–that of all the philosophers, Aristotle was “the guy”. To begin with, I don’t much about Greek philosophy though I would like to work my way into Aristotle. Some people seem to suggest getting a feel for Plato first, or to start with some comparative books. I don’t know if it’s prudent to just pop open one of Aristotle’s or Plato’s works themselves, so I’m thinking an introduction book might be good. I hear Mortimer Adler has a good introduction to Aristotle. Really, I want a solid foundation to get the ball rolling. Can anybody with experience and wisdom in this area point me in the right direction or prescribe a leaping off point?
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MJ:

The Basic Works of Aristotle (New York), if you can find it. Last edition that I knew of was 1941. but, it might have been re-printed.

Also, Aristotle, from The Great Books of the Western World.

And, Mortimer Adler is a very good place to start.

Good fortune and God bless,
jd
 
JDaniel said:
MJ:

The Basic Works of Aristotle (New York), if you can find it. Last edition that I knew of was 1941. but, it might have been re-printed.

Also, Aristotle, from The Great Books of the Western World.

And, Mortimer Adler is a very good place to start.

Good fortune and God bless,
jd
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The Basic Works is currently in print in a Modern Library Classics edition, available here.

-ACEGC
 
Begin by becoming 30 yo first. My Ethics professor said anyone under 30 wasn’t mature enough to understand Aristotle lol

Peace,
Bill
 
MJDorry said:
Basically. as far as I am aware, it’s widely held–Especially by Catholics–that of all the philosophers, Aristotle was “the guy”. To begin with, I don’t much about Greek philosophy though I would like to work my way into Aristotle. Some people seem to suggest getting a feel for Plato first, or to start with some comparative books. I don’t know if it’s prudent to just pop open one of Aristotle’s or Plato’s works themselves, so I’m thinking an introduction book might be good. I hear Mortimer Adler has a good introduction to Aristotle. Really, I want a solid foundation to get the ball rolling. Can anybody with experience and wisdom in this area point me in the right direction or prescribe a leaping off point?
Click to expand...
Oh yes, Aristotle. That “guy” who believed women existed as natural deformities or “imperfect” men. I wouldn’t be too quick to want to study the works of someone whose beliefs are in direct opposition of what the Church teaches on females.
 
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