Aristotle, one of the most influential philosophers of all time, lived during the Classical period in Ancient Greece. He was a prolific writer and thinker, covering a wide range of topics from logic and metaphysics to ethics and politics.
Despite his vast contributions to philosophy, little is known about his personal life. However, one fact that is widely known is the age at which he passed away.
In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Aristotle, with a particular focus on the question: How old was Aristotle when he died?
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of one of history’s greatest minds.
How Old Was Aristotle When He Died
Aristotle was born in 384 BC in the Macedonian region of Greece and died in 322 BC. This means that he lived for a total of 62 years.
Aristotle’s cause of death was a disease of the digestive organs, which he contracted just a year after he fled to Chalcis to escape prosecution under charges of impiety.
Despite his relatively short life, Aristotle left behind a vast body of work that continues to be studied and debated by scholars and philosophers today. His ideas and theories have had a profound impact on Western thought and continue to shape our understanding of the world around us.
A Brief Biography Of Aristotle
Aristotle was an Ancient Greek philosopher and scientist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest thinkers in politics, psychology, and ethics. He was born in the small Greek town of Stagira (later Stagira) in the northern Greek district of Chalcidice in 384 BC. His father, Nicomachus, was a physician who had important social connections. Aristotle’s interest in science was likely inspired by his father’s work. However, he did not display a particularly keen interest in medicine.
At the age of 17, Aristotle went to Athens and joined Plato’s circle at the Academy, a school for philosophers. There he remained for 20 years. Although his respect and admiration for Plato were always great, differences developed which ultimately caused a break in their relationship. Upon Plato’s death, Aristotle left for Assos in Mysia (in Asia Minor, today known as Turkey), where he and Xenocrates joined a small circle of Platonists who had already settled there under Hermias, the ruler of Atarneus.
Aristotle married the niece of Hermias, a woman named Pythias, who was killed by the Persians some time thereafter. Aristotle made his way to the court of Philip of Macedon. There he became tutor to Alexander the Great. Little information remains regarding the specific contents of Alexander’s education at the hands of Aristotle, but it would be interesting to know what political advice Aristotle gave to the young Alexander.
In 335 BC, Aristotle founded his own school, the Lyceum, in Athens, where he spent most of the rest of his life studying, teaching and writing. Some of his most notable works include Nichomachean Ethics, Politics, Metaphysics, Poetics and Prior Analytics.
Aristotle died in 322 BC in Chalcis on the island of Euboea at the age of 62. Despite his relatively short life, Aristotle left behind a vast body of work that continues to be studied and debated by scholars and philosophers today. His ideas and theories have had a profound impact on Western thought and continue to shape our understanding of the world around us.
Aristotle’s Contributions To Philosophy
Aristotle is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential philosophers of all time. He made significant contributions to numerous areas of philosophy, including logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and epistemology.
Aristotle’s metaphysical ideas were also groundbreaking. He believed that there must be a separate and unchanging being that is the source of all other beings. He also developed the concept of causality, which states that every event has a cause and effect relationship.
In ethics, Aristotle argued that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve eudaimonia, which he defined as a state of happiness or blessedness that can only be attained by becoming excellent in all areas of life. He believed that virtues such as courage, wisdom, and justice were essential for achieving this goal.
Aristotle’s political philosophy was also influential. He believed that the best form of government was a constitutional government in which power was shared among different groups. He also argued that individuals have a natural desire for self-preservation and should be allowed to pursue their own interests as long as they do not harm others.
Aristotle’s Personal Life
Little is known about Aristotle’s personal life, but what we do know is that he was born into a wealthy family in the city of Stagira, which was located in the northern region of Greece. His father, Nicomachus, died when Aristotle was still a child, and he was subsequently raised by a guardian.
At the age of 17 or 18, Aristotle moved to Athens to study at Plato’s Academy. He remained there until he was 37 years old, after which he left Athens and tutored Alexander the Great at the request of Philip II of Macedon.
After Alexander’s death, anti-Macedonian sentiment in Athens forced Aristotle to flee to Chalcis, where he spent the remainder of his life. It was there that he died from a stomach disease at the age of 62.
Aristotle never married and had no known children. He was known to be a close friend of Hermias, a ruler in Asia Minor, and he also had a long-standing relationship with his student and fellow philosopher, Theophrastus.
The Age Of Aristotle’s Death
Aristotle passed away at the age of 62 in 322 BC. His death was caused by a digestive ailment that he contracted just a year after he went into voluntary exile to Chalcis. Despite his relatively short life, Aristotle’s contributions to philosophy and science were immense. He left behind a vast body of work, including some of his most notable works such as Nichomachean Ethics, Politics, Metaphysics, Poetics and Prior Analytics. His ideas and theories have had a profound impact on Western thought and continue to shape our understanding of the world around us. Aristotle’s legacy has endured for more than 2300 years and continues to be studied and debated by scholars and philosophers around the world.
Theories Surrounding Aristotle’s Death
There are various theories surrounding the death of Aristotle. One theory suggests that he died of natural causes due to his advanced age. Another theory suggests that he may have been poisoned, possibly by his enemies or even by his own student Alexander the Great.
Some historians believe that Aristotle’s death was a result of his involvement in politics. He was known to have made enemies during his time in Athens, and his support for the Macedonian monarchy may have put him at odds with some Athenians.
Another theory suggests that Aristotle’s death may have been a result of his lifestyle. He was known to have indulged in excesses, such as heavy drinking and eating, which may have contributed to his deteriorating health.
Despite the various theories surrounding his death, it is clear that Aristotle’s legacy lives on. His contributions to philosophy, science, and politics continue to be studied and debated by scholars around the world, making him one of the most influential thinkers in history.
Legacy Of Aristotle
Aristotle’s legacy is far-reaching and enduring. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential philosophers in history, and his ideas have had a profound impact on Western thought. His works cover a wide range of subjects, including ethics, politics, metaphysics, logic, biology, and physics.
One of Aristotle’s most significant contributions was his development of a system of logic that became the foundation of Western philosophy. His works on logic were studied by medieval scholars such as Peter Abelard and John Buridan, and his influence on the field continued well into the 19th century.
Aristotle’s ideas on ethics and politics have also had a lasting impact. He believed that the goal of human life was to achieve happiness, which he defined as a state of flourishing or well-being. He argued that this could only be achieved through a virtuous life, in which individuals act in accordance with reason and moral principles.
In politics, Aristotle believed that the best form of government was a constitutional government that balanced the interests of different groups in society. He also believed in the importance of education and the role it played in creating virtuous citizens.
Aristotle’s contributions to science were also significant. He conducted extensive research in zoology and marine biology, making detailed observations of a wide range of organisms. His work on classification and taxonomy laid the groundwork for modern biology.
Overall, Aristotle’s legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, rigorous inquiry, and systematic thinking. His ideas have shaped Western thought for centuries, and his influence can still be seen in fields as diverse as philosophy, science, politics, and ethics.
