Chapter 12 Aristotle on Anaxagoras in Relation to Empedocles in Metaphysics A
In: Studies in Early Greek Philosophy
Author:
Jaap Mansfeld
Jaap Mansfeld
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Abstract
Comparison of Aristotle’s dating of Empedocles and Anaxagoras in Metaphysics A ch. 3, and of his systematic order of treatment of these two philosophers in Met. A ch. 8, with his dating and treatment of Anaximenes, Anaxagoras and Democritus in the discussion of earthquakes at Meteorologica 2.7 shows that ὕστερος in Met. A.3 984a13 means ‘more advanced’. This is because Anaxagoras, when treated more Aristotelico, turns out to be closer to Plato than Empedocles. Therefore he may be discussed after Empedocles in Met. A ch. 8, though as to chronology he is earlier.