Abstract
This study is concerned with 'nature' specifically as the subject-matter of physics, or natural science, as described by Aristotle in his "Physics". It also discusses the definitions of nature, and more specifically physical nature, provided by Avicenna (d. 1037) and Averroes (d. 1198) in their commentaries on Aristotle's "Physics". Avicenna and Averroes share Aristotle's conception of nature as a principle of motion and rest. While according to Aristotle the subject matter of physics appears to be nature, or what exists by nature, Avicenna believes that it is the natural body, and Averroes holds that the subject matter of physics or natural science consists in the natural things, in what constitutes a slight shift in focus.
Highlights
Aristotle on natureAristotle defines nature (physis) and natural processes in the “Physics”, especially in the first two books of this work
** Associate Professor of Philosophy, Department of Philosophy – The American University in Cairo
Catarina Belo or what exists by nature, Avicenna believes that it is the natural body, and Averroes holds that the subject matter of physics or natural science consists in the natural things, in what constitutes a slight shift in focus
Summary
Aristotle defines nature (physis) and natural processes in the “Physics”, especially in the first two books of this work. Parmenides and Melissus, that “to investigate whether what exists is one and motionless is not a contribution to the science of nature” (Aristotle, “Physics”, 184b25-185a1).[2] coming to be and passing away are characteristics of natural substances, and natural science takes into account change and the elements of change in the natural world, namely form (such as ‘human’), matter (such as ‘flesh’), and privation (the absence of a particular form). Nature is identified with the four causes (agent, matter, end, and form), which explain change, as well as coming to be and passing away. It becomes apparent that some of the elements of this science overlap with metaphysics, such as the four causes and the nature of substance, but Aristotle studies these as they are subject to motion and change, in the natural world
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