Alexander of Aphrodisias - Icon Profile | Alexandria
Alexander of Aphrodisias (fl. c. 200 CE), known as the greatest of the Ancient Greek commentators on Aristotle, served as the head of the Peripatetic school in Athens and earned the title "the Second Aristotle" for his unprecedented clarity in interpreting Aristotelian philosophy. His commentaries, which survive in both Greek and Arabic translations, profoundly shaped the understanding of Aristotelian thought throughout Late Antiquity, the Medieval period, and the Renaissance.
First emerging in the historical record during the reign of Septimius Severus and Caracalla, to whom he dedicated his treatise "On Fate," Alexander taught in Athens as the holder of the Imperial Chair of Aristotelian Studies. His appointment marked a crucial moment in the transmission of classical philosophy, as he worked during a period when Platonism and various mystical schools were gaining prominence, yet he maintained and reinforced the rationalistic tradition of Aristotelian thought.
Alexander's most significant contribution lies in his detailed commentaries on Aristotle's works, particularly the "Metaphysics," "De Anima" (On the Soul), "Prior Analytics," and "Topics." His interpretations were revolutionary for their time, offering a naturalistic reading of Aristotle that rejected supernatural explanations and emphasized the role of empirical observation. His original works, including "On the Soul," "On Fate," and "On Providence," demonstrate his innovative approach to philosophical problems, especially his defense of free will against Stoic determinism and his unique theory of intellect.
The influence of Alexander's work extends far beyond his era, playing a crucial role in both Islamic and Christian philosophical traditions. His commentaries were extensively studied by Arabic philosophers such as Al-Farabi and Averroes, while his theories on the intellect sparked centuries of debate among Medieval scholastics. Modern scholarship continues to uncover the depths of his philosophical insights, particularly his sophisticated arguments about causation, fate, and the nature of the soul. Alexander's legacy raises intriguing questions about the relationship between reason and faith, determinism and free will, and the nature of human consciousness—questions that remain remarkably relevant to contemporary philosophical discourse.
Was Alexander merely an interpreter of Aristotle, or did his "commentaries" actually represent a sophisticated philosophical system in their own right? This question continues to intrigue scholars and exemplifies the enduring significance of this remarkable thinker who bridged classical and medieval philosophical traditions.