Single Idea 5092

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 1. Nature]

Full Idea

Nature is the subject of our enquiry, and nature is a principle of change, so if we do not understand the process of change, we will not understand nature either.

Gist of Idea

Nature is a principle of change, so we must understand change first

Source

Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE], 200b12)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Physics', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1996], p.56


A Reaction

This is a very distinctively Greek attitude which doesn't seem to concern us much, but perhaps it should. Movement is just as fundamental as forces, particles and the rest that physicist talk about. Why do particles respond to forces?