Why Does Earth Move to the Center? An Examination of Some Explanatory Strategies in Aristotle's Cosmology

In Alan C. Bowen & Christian Wildberg (eds.), New Perspectives on Aristotle's De Caelo. Brill. pp. 1--119 (2009)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

How, and why, does Earth (the element) move to the centre of Aristotle's Universe? In this paper, I argue that we cannot understand why it does so by reference merely to the nature of Earth, or the attractive force of the Centre. Rather, we have to understand the role that Earth plays in the cosmic order. Thus, in Aristotle, the behaviour of the elements is explained as one explains the function of organisms in a living organism.

Author's Profile

Mohan Matthen
University of Toronto, Mississauga

Analytics

Added to PP
2011-01-28

Downloads
654 (#21,458)

6 months
65 (#58,509)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?