Allan Gotthelf and Aristotle's Biology

[A N Other 0]

In my work on Aristotle, I have a book I was assigned in school a long time ago, Reford Bambrough's The Philosophy of Aristotle; the two volume set of Complete Works, purchased from ARI; the companion edited and co-written by Barnes; and a copy just arrived of Randall's Aristotle, purchased after listening to Rand's lecture on the Barnes book.

I have a copy of Gotthelf's book on Rand (autographed and inscribed to me). We corresponded briefly. I did not know much about his other work.

This question is born of impatience and some ignorance and will sound, well, stupid at one level. But unlike other books, philosophy books, which most epople consider obscure, disappear quickly sometimes.

So: Does anyone know if Gotthelf's work on Aristotle's biology go beyond just that topic; or, another way: is there significance in that work beyond the field of biology per se? Does Gotthelf find information of metaphysics, even ethics and politics? Other areas?

[JohnRgt 0]

So: Does anyone know if Gotthelf's work on Aristotle's biology go beyond just that topic; or, another way: is there significance in that work beyond the field of biology per se? Does Gotthelf find information of metaphysics, even ethics and politics? Other areas?

The lecture on Aristotle as scientist/biologist goes into Aristotle's approach, how it's been misinterpreted and misrepresented over the centuries by various intellectuals. In that sense, the lecture goes into more than "just" biology. (These courses cost next to nothing now and they're packed with fascinating material. Go for it. What's the worst that could happen?)

[A N Other 0]

That is a good thought and I'm glad to have the idea. I was thinking only of buying a book or books, which are expensive in the wake of his passing. (I saw a copy of Alcain and Allen's economics bbok offered for $1,000 after Alchain died early this year). Listening to a lecture would possibly give me a good idea about whether to pony up for the book.

I almost always think of books first. Rand's Randall lecture not only convinced me to buy the book but gave me a heads up on what to look for and look out for. I bought a pristine first edition for $20 after looking for a week.

THX!