num_pages: 224
description: Book 2 of the Physics is arguably the best introduction to Aristotle's ideas. It defines nature and distinguishes natural science from mathematics. Book 2 introduces the seminal idea of four causes, or four modes of explanation. It defines chance, but rejects a theory of chance and natural selection in favour of purpose in nature.To these riches Simplicius, writing in the sixth century A.D., adds his own considerable contribution. Seeing Aristotle's God as a creator, he discusses how nature relates to soul, adds Stoic and Neoplatonist causes to Aristotle's list of four, and questions the likeness of cause to effect. He discusses missing a great evil or a great good by a hairsbreadth and considers whether animals act from reason or natural instinct. He also preserves a Posidonian discussion of mathematical astronomy.
language: English
title: On Aristotle's "physics 2"
titlecomplete: On Aristotle's "physics 2" (Ancient Commentators on Aristotle)
publisher: NCROL