Reading Aristotle, On the Soul (De Anima, Peri Psyches)

In this relatively short but important and foundational work, Aristotle explores the nature of the life force, psyche or soul. Soul, as Aristotle addresses it, is a philosophical and scientific concept rather than a religious one, necessary to explain how a complex organism can actually be an organism; it further explains movement, growth, sensation, and mind. Aristotle also addresses whether the soul can die, and what this means. In this class we will engage in a close reading and discussion of his questions and argument, also exploring its relation to other forms of thinking about "soul." We will use the New Hackett Aristotle edition titled De Anima. Please read up to p.25 for the first class.

Course Outline

Course Syllabus

Notes

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