Aristotle's 'Metaphysics' is a landmark of Western philosophy, and this translation by C.D.C. Reeve is celebrated for its consistent handling of key terms - making Aristotle’s sometimes tangled ideas clearer than ever for readers who aren't fluent in Greek. The book comes packed with helpful supplementary notes, extensive introductions, and cross-references to Aristotle’s other works, so if you’re a philosophy student, a curious beginner, or a lifelong learner looking to dive deep into Aristotle's thought, you’ll appreciate how this version guides you through the labyrinth. It’s especially valuable for anyone trying to connect Aristotle’s concepts across his different books.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not gonna lie - this isn’t an easy read. Even seasoned philosophy fans admit 'Metaphysics' can feel dense, confusing, and, at times, downright boring. The translation’s commitment to using the same English terms for key Greek words is great for clarity, but it sometimes makes the text repetitive or awkward to read. People looking for a more natural-sounding narrative might get frustrated, and newcomers to philosophy could feel lost in technical jargon and abstract concepts.

Aristotle’s 'Metaphysics' isn’t a page-turner, but it’s a must-read for philosophy nerds. Reeve’s translation is highly recommended for its clarity and resources, but be ready for a challenging journey - don’t expect easy answers or breezy prose!

About:

Aristotle's 'Metaphysics' is a monumental work that combines worldbuilding, deep philosophical concepts, and intricate translations. The book is praised for its lucid translation, detailed commentary, and the way it delves into Aristotle's complex ideas. The volume serves as a gateway into ancient philosophy, providing valuable insights into Aristotle's thoughts on metaphysics and natural philosophy.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style may appear awkward at times due to consistent terminology but ultimately enhances clarity, supported by extensive commentary.

Plot/Storyline:

The work does not follow a conventional plot but delves into dense philosophical concepts, addressing existential and metaphysical questions.

Setting:

The setting is abstract, dealing with philosophical concepts rooted in the historical context of ancient Greece.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and challenging, with readers often stalling on complex passages.

Aristotle has indicated that wisdom, the highest science, which is the object of philosophy, is a science of causes and principles. In this second chapter he spells out that the causes and principles ...

Notes:

David Reeve provides consistent translations for key terms in Aristotle's works, helping readers understand complex ideas.

The translation choices can lead to awkward phrases, but they clarify important concepts such as 'deliberate choice.'

Reeve's introductions offer helpful insights on how each work fits into Aristotle's overall philosophy, especially after readers engage with the texts more deeply.

Reading Aristotle's Metaphysics can feel daunting; many find it challenging or frustrating without a good translation.

Reeve's notes and endnotes often clarify Aristotle's references to other works, making complex passages easier to understand.

Aristotle's Metaphysics is considered extremely important historically but known for being boring or dull to read.

The readability of Reeve's translation helps bridge the gap for readers unfamiliar with Ancient Greek while maintaining fidelity to Aristotle's thoughts.

Many scholars regard Reeve as one of the top Aristotle scholars, further endorsing the quality of his translation.

This translation series is highly recommended for English speakers serious about studying Aristotle without knowing Greek.

The Metaphysics is often referred to as the 'Everest of ancient philosophy' due to its complexity and importance in the philosophical canon.

From The Publisher:

M and N, the last two books of the Metaphysics, are Aristotle's only sustained venture into the philosophy of mathematics. This volume includes the complete text of M and N along with 170 pages of commentary that provide a clear introduction for students. Focusing on the books' continuing

philosophical interest, Annas presents an invaluable guide to this unjustly neglected part of Aristotle's thought.

Ratings (1)

Loved It (1)

Reader Stats (4):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (3)

What can you read after
Metaphysics?

See the list (47 books)

About the Author:

Aristotle was born in 384BC. For twenty years he studied at Athens at the Academy of Plato, on whose death in 347 he left, and some time later became tutor to Alexander the Great. On Alexander's succession to the throne of Macedonia in 336, Aristotle returned to Athens and established his school and research institute, the Lyceum. After Alexander's death he was driven out of Athens and fled to Chalcis in Euboea where he died in 322. His writings profoundly affected the whole course of ancient and medieval philosophy.

Hugh Lawson-Tancred was born in 1955 and educated at Eton and Balliol College, Oxford. He is a Departmental Fellow in the Department of Philosophy at Birkbeck College in the University of London. He has published extensively on Aristotle and Plato and is currently engaged in research in computational linguistics. He translates widely from the Slavonic and Scandinavian languages. He is married with a daughter and two sons and lives in North London and Somerset.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Metaphysics

Aristotle

Who Would Like This Book: