Metaphysics

In Metaphysics, Aristotle investigates the first principles and causes of what exists. Rather than studying one particular part of nature, he asks what it means to be and what makes a thing the thing it is. His examination of earlier thinkers, including Plato, develops questions about substance, unity and plurality, form and matter. The inquiry moves through problems of change and persistence to the distinction between potentiality and actuality. It also considers the unmoved mover. This work introduces central concepts of ancient philosophy while showing an argument taking shape through definitions, competing explanations and the examination of contradictions.