Aristotle Life essays

Aristotle Life essays Aristotle was born in Stagria, a Greek community in Thrace, in 384 B.C. Most of what we know is from a compilation by Diogenes Lertius. He learned dissection and anatomy from his father, Nichomachus. At the age of 17, his personal guard Proxenus sent him to Athens. Aristotle paid close attention to his clothes and accent, as to make himself appear as of a higher class. He then studied at Platos Academy at the age of 18. He earned the reputation of being the most brilliant student quickly. Plato once said that his Academy consisted of the body of his students and the brain of Aristotle. Plato died when Aristotle was 37. Aristotle expected to become the next master of the Academy. However, The Trustees chose a native Athenian, since Aristotle was not born in Athens. Aristotle became an advisor to a former classmate who became a philosopher-king in Asia Minor. Aristotle had little affect and did not influence his former classmate. Nonetheless, Aristotle then married the adopted daughter, Pythias, of the King, Hermeias. Hermeias offended the King of Persia and was then crucified. Aristotle was forced to leave with his wife. They fled to the island of Lesbos where he studied Natural History. While on the island his wife died giving birth to their daughter. Later he had a son with Herpyllis, a lady that he lived with. In 343 B.C. King Phillip of Macedonia invited Aristotle to train his son Alexander. Alexander became one of historys greatest generals, who became known as Alexander the Great. On his conquests he ordered his troops to bring back specimens for his old teacher. King Phillip later sent Aristotle back to Stagria, Greece in 340 B.C. While in Stagria, Aristotle wrote a code of laws to help restore the community, which was ruined by war. In 334 B.C. Aristotle returned to Athens, where founded his own Platonic school there, and later at Lyceum. Alexander possibly funded these schools, whe...