Aristotles' 'Metaphysics' is one of the most important texts in Ancient Philosophy. This GuideBook looks at the Metaphysics thematically and takes the student through the main arguments found in the text. The book introduces and assesses Aristotle's life and the background to the Metaphysics , the ideas and text of the Metaphysics and Aristotle's philosophical legacy.
Fantastic introduction to Aristotle's Metaphysics. Politis covers most of the important points: the project of metaphysics, aporia, Aristotle's rebuttals to phenomenalism and relativism, his theory of essence, and Aristotle's "first mover" God. The final chapter on the similarities/differences between the metaphysics of Plato and Aristotle is especially good. The writing and arguments are extremely lucid and insightful. Politis brings in ideas from European commentators who have had little influence in the English-speaking world, and this fresh slant opens up new doors. Highly recommended for those wanting to understand Aristotle better without wading too deeply into the swamps of Aristotle commentary.
Incredibly helpful guide to one of the hardest books i've ever read. This guidebook covers all of the pertinent areas needed to be covered to clear confusion of the reader of Aristotle's Metaphysics. I suggest the CDC Reeves version of Aristotle's Metaphysics of which you should read sections of first and then read the the relevant section in the guidebook as you read the Metaphysics itself.
Politis's writing and explanations are easy to parse and serve as a great lantern to find your way in the dark that is reading the difficult Metaphysics by Aristotle.
Haven't finished all of it as I was reading it for a class, but the chapters I'd read were very clear in language and easy to comprehend. I love it when philosophy books try to make concepts clear instead of making you feel like a dummy