The concept of 'nature' in Aristotle, Avicenna and Averroes

Author's Department

Philosophy Department

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https://doi.org/10.1590/0100-512X2015n13103cb

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Kriterion (Brazil)

Publication Date

1-1-2015

doi

10.1590/0100-512X2015n13103cb

Abstract

This study is concerned with 'nature' specifically as the subject-matter of physics, or natural science, as described by Aristotle in his "Physics". It also discusses the definitions of nature, and more specifically physical nature, provided by Avicenna (d. 1037) and Averroes (d. 1198) in their commentaries on Aristotle's "Physics". Avicenna and Averroes share Aristotle's conception of nature as a principle of motion and rest. While according to Aristotle the subject matter of physics appears to be nature, or what exists by nature, Avicenna believes that it is the natural body, and Averroes holds that the subject matter of physics or natural science consists in the natural things, in what constitutes a slight shift in focus.

First Page

45

Last Page

56

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