Aristotle: Metaphysics Books B and K 1-2

Arthur Madigan presents a clear, accurate new translation of the third book (Beta) of Aristotle's Metaphysics, together with two related chapters from the eleventh book (Kappa). Madigan's accompanying introduction and commentary give detailed guidance to these texts, in which Aristotle sets out what he takes to be the main problems of metaphysics or 'first philosophy' and assesses possible solutions to them; he takes his starting-point from the work ofearlier philosophers, especially Plato and some of the Presocratics. These texts serve as a useful introduction both to Aristotle's own work on metaphysics and to classical metaphysics in general; they are also a good example of Aristotle's dialectical method, which reasons not from known truths but from reputableopinions.

Madigan's volume accomplishes what it aims to do...with its close and careful consideration of the text and its many new proposals for reading specific passages, this volume will be greatly appreciated by those undertaking their own serious study...

Arthur Madigan, S.J., is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Boston College.