Theophrastus on First Principles

Name: Theophrastus on First Principles
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ISBN: 9781009708265

Samuel Meister (University of Geneva)

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English

Cambridge University Press
02 April 2026

Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500; Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology; Theology

Series: Elements in Ancient Philosophy

Theophrastus' so-called Metaphysics presents a series of difficulties for various accounts of first principles, including Platonist ones but also – and especially – Aristotle's. Hence, many scholars think that Theophrastus abandons some of his teacher's core commitments, such as the prime mover or natural teleology. Other interpreters, by contrast, emphasize the aporematic character of the work and do not take Theophrastus to be truly critical of Aristotle. In the author's view, neither reading captures the character of the treatise. For, as argued in this Element, Theophrastus probes the Aristotelian account of first principles in earnest. But this is not to say that he abandons it. Rather, Theophrastus is an internal critic of an Aristotelian framework to which he himself is committed but of which he thinks that it requires further elaboration.

By: Samuel Meister (University of Geneva)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Weight: 119g
ISBN: 9781009708265
ISBN 10: 1009708260
Series: Elements in Ancient Philosophy
Pages: 72
Publication Date: 02 April 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction; 1. Theophrastus' first philosophy; 2. The principles of the natural world; 3. The limits of causal inquiry; Conclusion; References.