On Aristotle's "Prior Analytics 1.14-22"

by Alexander of Aphrodisias, Ian Mueller (Translator), Josiah Gould (Translator)

The commentary of Alexander of Aphrodisias on Aristotle's Prior Analytics 1.8-22 is the main ancient commentary, by the 'greatest' commentator, on the chapters of the Prior Analytics in which Aristotle invented modal logic - the logic of propositions about what is necessary or contingent (possible). In this volume, which covers chapters 1.8-13, Alexander of Aphrodisias reaches the chapter in which Aristotle discusses the notion of contingency. Also included in this volume is Alexander's commentary on that part of Prior Analytics 1.17 which explains the conversion of contingent propositions. (The rest of 1.17 is included in the second volume of Mueller's translation, which covers chapters 1.14-22.). In each volume, Ian Mueller provides a comprehensive explanation of Alexander's commentary on modal logic as a whole.

270 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1999

About the author

Peripatetic philosopher and the most celebrated of the Ancient Greek commentators on the writings of Aristotle. He was a native of Aphrodisias in Caria, and lived and taught in Athens at the beginning of the 3rd century, where he held a position as head of the Peripatetic school.