Single Idea 22171

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 4. Divisions of Philosophy]

Full Idea

If there is no substance other than those which are formed by nature, natural science will be the first science; but if there is an immovable substance, the science of this must be prior and must be first philosophy.

Gist of Idea

If only natural substances exist, science is first philosophy - but not if there is an immovable substance

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1026a28)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Basic Works of Aristotle', ed/tr. McKeon,Richard [Modern Library Classics 2001], p.779


A Reaction

For Aristotle science is mainly finding the causes of everything. Does he think physical science is the way to study ethics and politics. Maybe, via essential natures and natural functions.