Aristotle, one of the most influential philosophers and scientists in history, lived a life that spanned over six decades.
Born in ancient Greece in the city of Stagira, Aristotle’s contributions to human knowledge continue to shape our understanding of logic, ethics, politics, and more.
Despite living over 2,000 years ago, his ideas and teachings remain relevant today.
In this article, we will explore the life of Aristotle and answer the question: how long did he live?
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of one of history’s greatest minds.
How Long Did Aristotle Live
Aristotle lived from 384 BCE to 322 BCE, making him 62 years old at the time of his death. He was born in the city of Stagira in Macedonia and was the son of Nichomacus, who served as the personal physician to King Amyntas of Macedonia.
At the age of 17, Aristotle left Stagira to complete his education in Athens. He attended Plato’s Academy and became one of Plato’s most outstanding pupils. However, Aristotle often disagreed with Plato’s ideas, leading to a strained relationship between the two.
After Plato’s death, Aristotle left the Academy and spent time traveling before settling in Athens. There, he founded his own school, the Lyceum, where he spent most of his life studying, teaching, and writing.
Aristotle’s teachings covered a wide range of topics, including logic, biology, ethics, politics, and metaphysics. He was a prolific writer and is credited with writing over 200 treatises, of which only 31 survive today.
Despite his many accomplishments, Aristotle faced challenges throughout his life. He was exiled from Athens after the death of Alexander the Great and died a few years later in Chalcis.
Early Life And Education
Aristotle was born in 384 BCE in the city of Stagira, which was located in Northern Greece. His father, Nichomacus, was a court physician to King Amyntas of Macedonia. Aristotle lost his father at a young age and was raised by a guardian.
At the age of 17, Aristotle left Stagira and traveled to Athens to pursue higher education. He enrolled in Plato’s Academy, which was considered the most prestigious institution of learning in ancient Greece. Aristotle quickly distinguished himself as an outstanding student and became one of Plato’s top pupils.
Despite his success at the Academy, Aristotle often disagreed with Plato’s ideas, particularly on the concept of Forms. This led to a strained relationship between the two philosophers, and after Plato’s death, Aristotle left the Academy to pursue his own interests.
After leaving the Academy, Aristotle spent several years traveling before settling in Athens. There, he founded his own school called the Lyceum. The Lyceum became known for its focus on empirical research and observation, which was a departure from Plato’s emphasis on abstract reasoning.
At the Lyceum, Aristotle taught a wide range of subjects, including logic, biology, ethics, politics, and metaphysics. He was a prolific writer and is credited with writing over 200 treatises, although only 31 survive today.
Aristotle’s education and early life experiences shaped his philosophical views and influenced his approach to teaching and research. His time at the Academy exposed him to the ideas of other great philosophers like Socrates and Plato, while his travels allowed him to observe and study different cultures and societies. These experiences helped him develop a unique perspective on philosophy that would shape Western thought for centuries to come.
Aristotle’s Contributions To Philosophy And Science
Aristotle is widely considered to be one of the most influential philosophers and scientists in history. He made significant contributions to a variety of fields, including logic, biology, ethics, politics, and metaphysics.
As the father of Western logic, Aristotle developed a formal system for reasoning that emphasized good reasoning as the foundation for all other investigations. He observed that the deductive validity of any argument can be determined by its structure rather than its content. This idea dominated logic until the rise of modern propositional and predicate logic 2000 years later.
In his natural philosophy, Aristotle combined logic with observation to make general, causal claims. For example, in his biology, he used the concept of species to make empirical claims about the functions and behavior of individual animals. He also believed that the body was the matter and the psyche was the form of each living animal.
In his metaphysics, Aristotle claimed that there must be a separate and unchanging being that is the source of all other beings. He recognized the possibility of knowledge that is not empirical and believed in the existence of a transcendent reality beyond human experience.
In his ethics, Aristotle held that it is only by becoming excellent that one could achieve eudaimonia, a sort of happiness or blessedness that constitutes the best kind of human life. He emphasized the importance of virtuous behavior and moral character in achieving this state.
Aristotle’s contributions to philosophy and science have had a lasting impact on Western thought. His ideas have influenced numerous fields, from politics to psychology to physics. His legacy continues to inspire philosophers and scientists to this day.
Aristotle’s Time In Athens And Relationship With Plato
During his time in Athens, Aristotle studied at Plato’s Academy for 20 years and became one of Plato’s most brilliant students. However, Aristotle’s ideas often differed from those of his teacher, leading to a strained relationship between the two.
One of the main differences between Plato and Aristotle was their approach to metaphysics. While Plato believed in the existence of abstract concepts or “forms”, Aristotle rejected this idea and argued that everything could be explained through observation and empirical evidence.
Despite their disagreements, Aristotle remained in Athens even after Plato’s death in 347 BCE. However, he eventually left the Academy and founded his own school, the Lyceum, where he continued to teach and develop his own philosophical ideas.
Aristotle’s time in Athens was marked by his extensive research and writing. He produced numerous works on a wide range of subjects, including logic, ethics, politics, biology, and metaphysics. Many of these works were in the form of lecture notes and draft manuscripts never intended for general readership.
Aristotle’s Later Years And Legacy
In his later years, Aristotle faced political turmoil and personal tragedy. After the death of Alexander the Great, anti-Macedonian sentiment in Athens led to Aristotle’s exile. He retreated to Chalcis, where he lived in the house that had once belonged to his mother. It was there that he died the following year from a stomach ailment at the age of 62.
Despite his relatively short life, Aristotle’s legacy has endured for centuries. He is considered one of the greatest philosophers and scientists in history, and his ideas have influenced countless fields of study. His works on logic and metaphysics were studied by medieval scholars, and his ethics continue to be a subject of contemporary philosophical discussion.
Aristotle’s influence can be seen in everything from medieval Christian theology to modern virtue ethics. His complex synthesis of various philosophical traditions has shaped Western thought and provided a framework for inquiry that continues to be relevant today.
The Mystery Of Aristotle’s Death
Although the exact cause of Aristotle’s death is unknown, it is believed that he died from natural causes in 322 BCE at the age of 62. However, there are some who question the circumstances surrounding his death.
One theory is that Aristotle died from a stomach illness. This theory is based on accounts from ancient sources that suggest he suffered from digestive problems throughout his life. Some believe that his poor health may have contributed to his death.
Another theory suggests that Aristotle was poisoned. This theory is based on accounts that suggest he may have been involved in political intrigue during his time in Chalcis. Some believe that he may have been poisoned by political enemies.
Despite these theories, there is no conclusive evidence to support either one. The true cause of Aristotle’s death remains a mystery.
Regardless of how he died, Aristotle’s legacy lives on today through his teachings and writings. His contributions to philosophy, science, and politics continue to influence scholars and thinkers around the world.
