Customer Reviews

Aristotle in Outline

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Excellent. Clearest explanation I've ever read. You can actually use Aristotle's concepts in your thinking. But it's mistitled. "Aristotle In Outline" suggests Cliff's Notes. A much better title would be "The Essense of Aristotle."

It is rare to find a professional philosopher who writes as clearly, simply, and comprehensively as does Professor Timothy A. Robinson. Moreover, his intended audience will be delighted to have found this gem "of an outline."

[By the way, this book has served a purpose that probably was not envisioned by Professor Robinson. It has formed the basis of my World Religions course - introductory unit. The class is made up of special education students, identified slow learner, learning disabled, gifted, as well as some general and advanced students. They don't know they are "doing Aristotle" and yet they are hooked. I cannot think of a better recommendation for this book.]

The bibliographic essay is one of the best I have ever read. Hackett would do well to have Robinson sign on permanently with them.

I picked this book up about sixth months ago before diving into a serious and focused study of Aristotle. I knew barely anything about his philosophy beforehand, and after reading a number of Aristotle's works and some other scholarly works about his ideas, I know hardly more about them than I did after reading this book. Whether you're already familiar with Aristotle and want to see a fuller picture or are looking for an introduction, this book short book is all you need.

I am delighted to add a line to the many reviews about Professor Timothy A. Robinson's "Aristotle in Outline". It contains only 125 pages; but it is definitely a dynamite. Professor Timothy A. Robinson has set a record that will stand for a long time.

I read this book for a graduate seminar on Aristotle. Timothy Robinson's "Aristotle in Outline," is a great introductory work to understanding Aristotle's philosophy. We only have lecture notes of Aristotle's works, so no finished texts survive, which is one of the reasons we need books like Robinson's to "polish" Aristotle's arguments.

Aristotle wrote treatises, he wrote to find results and doesn't leave questions unanswered. Aristotle is the first biologist. His way of thinking is scientific. He doesn't use story telling or myth like Plato. Aristotle is a realist, a naturalist, an empiricist. Plato was more of a rational intuitionist. Aristotle believed we were born into a fully real world. We are natural beings. There is no "higher" realm for him, unlike Socrates and Plato. This is also counter to the major religions. Thus, natural life is not a "fallen" condition he is more Greek than Plato is in this regard. The Egyptians influenced Plato and Socrates. Everything Aristotle does begins with what we normally encounter in the world. Thus, our body, and human passions are natural.

Aristotle finds that the desire to understand is intrinsic in human beings it is in our nature. Philosophy is the ultimate consequence of desire. Our desires have many aspects; such as, food, sex, etc. Curiosity is natural in humans, we see it especially in small kids, and curiosity comes from within us. Aristotle argues that philosophy caps off curiosity and wonder. Aristotle points out that wonder is an actual disposition. Aporia = "blocking," something is blocking our wondering as a disturbance and then we struggle to break through with wonder to find the answer. Breaking through aporia can't just be forced but must come from things known. Aristotle always begins his inquiries with observing the familiar. The difference between Plato and Aristotle is that Plato's dialogues use aporia but leave unanswered questions; Aristotle argues that if you try hard you can break thru aporia and get at an answer.

Robinson helps to explain Aristotle's answers to these questions in his book illuminating the works of the "Physics," "Nicomachean Ethics," and the "Politics."

I recommend that this work is a must for anyone interested in philosophy, ethics, politics, or anyone who wants to have a basis of a "classical" education. For me, Aristotle is the smartest human that walked the planet!