Part 6/19:
Aristotle, a student of Plato born in 384 B.C., significantly diverged from his teacher’s idealism by grounding his philosophy in empirical observation. His comprehensive works address logic, ethics, politics, and natural sciences, laying the groundwork for modern scientific method.
Aristotle founded his own school, the Lyceum, and contributed seminal texts such as Nicomachean Ethics and Politics. He introduced the concept of the golden mean, advocating for moderation and virtue in ethical behavior. His exploration of causation, frameworks of logic, and theories of government deeply influenced medieval thought and forged strides in various disciplines, solidifying his status as one of the greatest intellectuals in history.