The Place of the Meteorologica in Aristotle’s Natural Science (Book Section)
Title: The Place of the Meteorologica in Aristotle’s Natural Science
Author: Margaret Scharle
Editor: David Ebrey
Abstract: In “‘And These Things Follow’: Teleology, Necessity, and Explanation in Aristotle’s Meteorologica,” Margaret Scharle argues that while teleology is not mentioned in the Meteorologica, it is implicitly presupposed there. In particular, the Meteorologica’s explanations depend on Aristotle’s view that there are two elemental cycles, an earth–?re cycle and an air–water cycle, which Aristotle ultimately explains in terms of teleological processes outside of the Meteorologica. Scharle argues that Aristotle’s procedure in explaining meteorology is just what one would expect from Parts of Animals i.1 and his practice in the biological works:he is examining the necessary byproducts of teleological processes. The difference between biological and meteorological cases, she argues, is that in biology the organism can make use of necessary by-products to further the organism’s ends. By contrast, there is no way for the elements to make use of necessary by-products to further their ends because they are entirely passive and have no parts.
Year: 2015
Primary URL: http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/philosophy/classical-philosophy/theory-and-practice-aristotles-natural-science?format=HB
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Book Title: Theory and Practice in Aristotle's Natural Science
ISBN: 110705513X

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