Aristotle’s Metaphysics is a foundational text in Western philosophy, attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle around 350 BCE. Believed to be based on his lectures and compiled by his students, it explores profound topics such as existence, reality, and the nature of being. Aristotle, a student of Plato and teacher to Alexander the Great, addresses key themes including potentiality vs. actuality and the essence of substances. The work is divided into 14 books, beginning with Book One (Alpha), which introduces the concept of "first philosophy" and emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes of things. Subsequent books tackle objections to Aristotle's principles, the nature of being, causation, and the relationship between form and matter. He also introduces his concept of the prime mover, a fundamental cause of all existence. The core of the text examines the senses of being and the distinction between potentiality and actuality, ultimately presenting a comprehensive view of reality that underscores the significance of first philosophy in understanding the universe.
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