Metaphysics

Discuss Aristotle’s views on change and permanence. How does he explain the process of change in the natural world? What roles does change play?

Explore Aristotle’s distinction between potentiality and actuality. How does this distinction help to understand the development and fulfillment of things in the natural world? Why is this integral to his philosophy?

Examine Aristotle’s theory of the four causes (material, formal, efficient, and final). How do these causes contribute to understanding the existence and nature of things? Why are they fundamental to his philosophy?

How does Aristotle’s approach to explaining the natural world in Metaphysics compare and contrast with modern scientific methods and theories?

Discuss how Aristotle’s ideas in Metaphysics have influenced subsequent philosophical thought. Can you identify any modern philosophical concepts that seem to echo Aristotle’s ideas? Analyze the relationship between these concepts and Aristotle’s thoughts here.

How does Aristotle use logic in Metaphysics to build his arguments? Provide examples of his logical reasoning from the text. Why is his method of logic integral to his philosophy?

Analyze Aristotle’s views on knowledge and truth in Metaphysics. How does he believe we come to know the truth about the world? What is his preferred methodology?

Discuss Aristotle’s conception of “being.” How does he differentiate between different types of being in his philosophy?