Aristotle: Life

Life

Aristotle's father, Nicomachus, was a noted physician. Aristotle studied (367–347 b.c.) under Plato at the Academy and there wrote many dialogues that were praised for their eloquence. Only fragments of these dialogues are extant. He tutored (342–c.339 b.c.) Alexander the Great at the Macedonian court, left to live in Stagira, and then returned to Athens. In 335 b.c. he opened a school in the Lyceum; some distinguished members of the Academy followed him. His practice of lecturing in the Lyceum's portico, or covered walking place (peripatos), gave his school the name Peripatetic. During the anti-Macedonian agitation after Alexander's death, Aristotle fled in 323 b.c. to Chalcis, where he died.

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