The name, Aristotle is a name that’s mentioned across different fields of study. Like his legendary teacher Plato (and Socrates), Aristotle is considered to be an important figure in the history of Western Philosophy. He has written on topics ranging from logic, ethics, biology, mathematics, politics, and metaphysics.
Among medieval Muslim scholars, he was referred to as “The First Teacher”; he was known among Christians as “The Philosopher”’ while the poet Dante referred to him as “the master of those who know”.
If you want to learn more about Aristotle, some books help you understand why Aristotle’s works will remain evergreen and continually have an influence on Western thought.
Below is a compilation of the best books about Aristotle. Read on:
- Aristotle’s Way, by Edith Hall
- Audible Audiobook
- Edith Hall (Author) – Sian Thomas (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 01/15/2019 (Publication Date) – Penguin Audio (Publisher)
If you’re looking to get more insight into Aristotle’s view on how we should approach life, this book by Edith Hall will help you achieve that purpose.
“If you believe that the goal of human life is to maximize happiness, then you’re a budding Aristotelian.” Hall writes. In this book, Hall channels his thinking into modern contexts and situations without deviating from Aristotle’s ethics.
He explains ten practical lessons to help us scale through life’s obstacles and face challenges head-on. This book provides access to Aristotle’s ethical thinking, hence making it a great book for every Aristotelian.
- Aristotle: The Desire to Understand, by Jonathon Lear
- Lear, Jonathan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 342 Pages – 02/26/1988 (Publication Date) – Cambridge University Press (Publisher)
This book, The Desire to Understand by Jonathon Lear explores a deeper introduction to Aristotle’s wider catalog. This book explores the main ideas in Aristotle’s physics, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and other biological and logical works.
The Desire to Understand by Jonathon Lear is a 340-page book filled with insight on Aristotle’s. If you’re looking to increase your knowledge of Aristotle’s thought, this book is worth adding to your reading list.
- The Cambridge Companion to Aristotle, by Jonathon Barnes
- Used Book in Good Condition
- English (Publication Language)
- 434 Pages – 01/27/1995 (Publication Date) – Cambridge University Press (Publisher)
The Cambridge Companion to Aristotle, edited by Jonathan Barnes is a compilation of nine brilliant essays from prominent Aristotle Scholars. This book dissects various aspects of Aristotle’s thoughts from the perspective of these scholars.
If you’re looking to have a deeper knowledge of Aristotle, this is your go-to book. In this book, you’ll find interesting chapters on Aristotle’s logic, metaphysics, philosophy of science, ethics, rhetoric, psychology, and poetics. This book provides informed details on Aristotle’s thoughts and as a true Aristotelian, this book should be in your collection.
- The Nicomachean Ethics, by Aristotle
- Aristotle (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 368 Pages – 04/23/2012 (Publication Date) – University of Chicago Press (Publisher)
In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle asks a paramount question which is “what is the best thing for a human being?” His answer is Eudaimonia, which, when translated from Greek, is ‘well-being,’ ‘happiness’, and ‘blessedness’ and focuses on the virtue ethics Aristotle preached about, ‘human flourishing’.
Aristotle’s Nicomachean ethics provides insight into how we can achieve Eudaimonia by living well. This book is essential if you’re looking to go deeper into the foundations and development of ethical thinking in Western society and ultimately live a good life.
- Politics, by Aristotle
- Audible Audiobook
- Aristotle (Author) – Matthew Josdal (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 09/30/2010 (Publication Date) – Alpha DVD LLC (Publisher)
This book plays a major role even in the history of political thoughts and even in modern-day politics. Politics by Aristotle discussed pressing issues about the way society should be governed and organized; the issues discussed in this book continue to be debated even today.
In this book, Aristotle seeks to establish how constitutions can best be set up and upheld by studying how different groups operate. When reading this book, pay attention to the introductory essay as it places the work in a context and sets the scene for the reader.
- Physics, by Aristotle
- Aristotle (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 172 Pages – 12/17/2012 (Publication Date) – CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
Aristotle was versed in different fields including physics and for anyone looking to study natural science, Aristotle’s Physics has always been a good starting point.
Reading Aristotle’s Physics today, you’ll come to understand why he’s referenced for millennia. You’ll come to terms with his genius and understand his work continues to remain relevant at the heart of intellectual institutions over the years.
Also, this edition of Aristotle’s Physics has an introductory essay that contextualizes the work and ensures the reader enjoys the work.
- The Metaphysics, by Aristotle
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Aristotle (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 328 Pages – 06/01/1991 (Publication Date) – Prometheus (Publisher)
Metaphysics by Aristotle is considered one of the most significant philosophical works of all time. In this book, there are three paramount questions to which Aristotle provides answers. These questions include:
- Firstly, what is existence, and what sorts of things exist in the world?
- Secondly, how can things continue to exist, and yet undergo the change we see about us in the natural world?
- Lastly, how can this world be understood?
Aristotle provides interesting answers to these questions, and answers have continually been debated by ancient philosophers and even modern philosophers all over the globe for the past two millennia, which makes The Metaphysics an important addition to your read-list.
Wrapping Up
Aristotle is easily one of the most intellectual who ever lived. He is versed in so many academic disciplines and has made many significant contributions to many fields of study.
These books on or about Aristotle give you an insight into the way Aristotle thinks and how his work has impacted the world over the years. If you’re an adept thinker, a lover of philosophy, or an Aristotelian, these books come highly recommended for you.
Grab any of these books to learn more about Aristotle.
