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Aristotle's 'So-Called Elements'

Aristotle's 'So-Called Elements' <jats:sec><jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Aristotle's use of the phrase τα καλουμενα στοιχεια is usually taken as evidence that he does not really think that the things to which this phrase refers, namely, fire, air, water, and earth, are genuine elements. In this paper I question the linguistic and textual grounds for taking the phrase τα καλουμενα στοιχεια in this way. I offer a detailed examination of the significance of the phrase, and in particular I compare Aristotle's general use of the Greek participle καλουμενοζiot (-η, -ον) in other contexts. I conclude that his use of the phrase τα καλουμενα στοιχεια does not carry ironical or sceptical connotations, and that it ought to be understood as a neutral report of a contemporary opinion that the elements of bodies are fire, air, water, and earth. I leave aside the question as to whether or not Aristotle himself endorses this opinion.</jats:p> </jats:sec> http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Phronesis Brill

Aristotle's 'So-Called Elements'

Crowley, Timothy
Phronesis , Volume 53 (3): 223 – Jan 1, 2008
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Publisher
Brill
Copyright
© 2008 Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands
ISSN
0031-8868
eISSN
1568-5284
DOI
10.1163/156852808X307061
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Aristotle's use of the phrase τα καλουμενα στοιχεια is usually taken as evidence that he does not really think that the things to which this phrase refers, namely, fire, air, water, and earth, are genuine elements. In this paper I question the linguistic and textual grounds for taking the phrase τα καλουμενα στοιχεια in this way. I offer a detailed examination of the significance of the phrase, and in particular I compare Aristotle's general use of the Greek participle καλουμενοζiot (-η, -ον) in other contexts. I conclude that his use of the phrase τα καλουμενα στοιχεια does not carry ironical or sceptical connotations, and that it ought to be understood as a neutral report of a contemporary opinion that the elements of bodies are fire, air, water, and earth. I leave aside the question as to whether or not Aristotle himself endorses this opinion.</jats:p> </jats:sec>

Journal

Phronesis – Brill

Published: Jan 1, 2008

Keywords: SO-CALLED ELEMENTS; ARISTOTLE; ELEMENTS; PRIME MATTER

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