Commentary on Aristotle - Classic Text | Alexandria
Commentary on Aristotle by Alexander of Aphrodisias stands as one of the most influential and comprehensive interpretations of Aristotelian philosophy from antiquity, composed by the renowned Peripatetic philosopher Alexander of Aphrodisias (active c. 200 CE). Known as the greatest of the Ancient Greek commentators on Aristotle, Alexander earned the title "the Commentator" for his remarkable ability to illuminate and expand upon Aristotle's often complex ideas.
Alexander's commentary emerged during a pivotal period in philosophical history, when competing schools of thought—including Platonism, Stoicism, and various mystery cults—vied for intellectual dominance across the Roman Empire. As the official holder of the Aristotelian chair in Athens, established by Marcus Aurelius, Alexander produced his commentary within an institutional framework that sought to preserve and propagate Aristotelian thought. His works, particularly his commentaries on the Metaphysics, De Anima, and Prior Analytics, became foundational texts for subsequent generations of philosophers.
The commentary's significance lies not merely in its exegetical function but in its original contributions to philosophical discourse. Alexander developed distinctive interpretations of Aristotelian concepts, particularly regarding the nature of the intellect, fate, and providence. His materialist reading of Aristotle's psychology and his defense of philosophical naturalism profoundly influenced both Islamic philosophers (including Averroes and Avicenna) and later Western scholastics. The transmission of his works through Arabic translations played a crucial role in preserving Greek philosophical thought during the medieval period.
Today, Alexander's commentary continues to intrigue scholars for its sophisticated philosophical arguments and its window into the evolution of Aristotelian thought. Recent discoveries of previously unknown manuscript fragments have reignited interest in his work, raising new questions about the relationship between Ancient Greek philosophy and its later interpretations. The ongoing debate about Alexander's precise influence on Islamic and Christian philosophy underscores the enduring relevance of his contribution to the history of ideas. How might his systematic approach to philosophical interpretation inform our modern understanding of classical texts?