Aristotles the Philosopher

Aristotles (b. 384 – d. 322 BC), was a Greek philosopher, logician, and scientist. Along with his teacher Plato, Aristotle is generally regarded as one of the most influential ancient thinkers in a number of philosophical fields.

Aristotle was born in Stagira in northern Greece, and his father was a court physician to the king of Macedon. As a young man he studied in Plato’s Academy in Athens. After Plato’s death he was then invited by King Philip II of Macedon to tutor his young son, Alexander the Great.
(find out more about Alexander the Great…)

Soon after Alexander succeeded his father, consolidated the conquest of the Greek city-states, and launched the invasion of the Persian Empire. Aristotle returned as a resident alien to Athens, and was close friend of Antipater the Macedonian viceroy. At this time (335-323 BC) he wrote or at least completed some of his major treatises, including the Politics.

When Alexander died suddenly, Aristotle had to flee from Athens because of his Macedonian connections, and he died soon after.

Aristotle’s life seems to have influenced his political thought in various ways his interest in biology seems to be expressed in the naturalism of his politics; his interest in comparative politics and his sympathies for democracy as well as monarchy may have been encouraged by his travels and experience of diverse political systems.

A fine bust of Aristotles made of bonded marble and coated with a special marble patina.