“The soul is the first actuality of a natural body that has life potentially in it.”
Written in the 4th century BC, De Anima (On the Soul) is Aristotle’s foundational work on psychology, biology, and metaphysics. It marks one of the earliest systematic inquiries into the nature of life and mind. Unlike Plato, Aristotle views the soul not as a separate substance but as the form of a living body. The work influenced centuries of philosophical and theological thought, shaping medieval and modern understandings of life, perception, and intellect.
Key themes include the following:
- The Soul as Form
- Three Kinds of Soul: Life is structured in a hierarchy—nutritive (plants), sensitive (animals), and rational (humans).
- Perception and the Senses
- Thought Without a Body
- The Body and Soul Are Not Separable
Reading Aristotle can take some getting used to. If you are having difficulty with the language, I suggest reading book/chapter summaries. The meeting is not meant to be an academic history of philosophy or Aristotle but will instead be as accessible as possible, allowing for open discussion of the book and its ideas.
I will publish an agenda closer to the event to help guide the discussion.
Bring anything that will make you feel comfortable (sweater, water, coffee, etc.)
We will be in room 3-20A at the Central Library.
