Causality and Causal Explanation in Aristotle

Aristotle's writings on causality and its relation to natural science are at the heart of his philosophical project, but there has been no full-length philosophical study of his theory. Nathanael Stein's book addresses these two questions by focusing on key conceptual, metaphysical, and epistemological questions that are important for understanding Aristotle's responses to his predecessors and for understanding causality in general. It provides a philosophical engagement with Aristotle that has proven fruitful in other domains and aims to contribute to a more accurate understanding of the differences between ancient and modern approaches to the natural world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Aristotle's writings on causality and its relationship to natural science form the core of his philosophical project, and have sparked a 2,000-year exploration of these topics. Despite extensive research on various aspects of his thought, his theory of causality has received limited philosophical attention, with fundamental questions about it remaining under-examined. For instance, it remains unclear how Aristotle addresses the central philosophical questions about causality that he believes his predecessors have flawed, and how his answers relate to broader questions about causality in general. Nathanael Stein's book aims to address these two critical questions. Rather than providing a comprehensive survey of Aristotle's claims, it focuses on a set of key conceptual, metaphysical, and epistemological issues that are essential for understanding Aristotle's responses to his predecessors and for gaining a deeper understanding of causality in general. By engaging with Aristotle's ideas in this way, the book seeks to emulate the successful philosophical engagement with his work in other domains, such as ethics and metaphysics. Furthermore, the book aims to contribute to a more accurate understanding of the differences between ancient and modern approaches to the natural world. This book is intended for anyone interested in philosophical theories of causation and explanation, their historical development, and the significance of Aristotle's contributions to the field. It is also valuable for those who have read Aristotle's thoughts on causality and are seeking to clarify its implications and how to engage with it effectively.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 243 x 160 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197660867