Theory and Criticism: Aristotle's Major Works

Theory and criticism: Aristotle

Aristotle (384-322 bc), Greek philosopher and scientist

When Plato died in 347 bc, Aristotle went to Pella, the Macedonian capital, where he became the tutor of the king's young son Alexander, later known as Alexander the Great.

In 335, when Alexander became king, Aristotle returned to Athens and established his own school, the Lyceum. Because much of the discussion in his school took place while teachers and students were walking about the Lyceum grounds, Aristotle's school came to be known as the Peripatetic (“walking” or “strolling”) school.

Aristotle's Major Works on Theory and Criticism

Aristotle, one of the most influential philosophers in Western thought, made significant contributions to literary theory and criticism, especially through his works Poetics and Rhetoric. These two texts remain central to discussions of literary forms and critical analysis.

Poetics : Aristotle's Poetics may be one of the most influential documents ever

produced on the art of the drama. Poetics is perhaps Aristotle’s most renowned work in literary theory. Written around 335 BCE, it provides a systematic examination of different genres of literature, focusing primarily on tragedy.

The text is probably a transcription of lectures on the art of dramatic literature given to a group of students. In this excerpt, Aristotle defines the nature of tragic drama, discusses the six essential elements of drama, states his opinion on the best type of tragic plot, and suggests the most effective means to arouse essential emotions such as pity and fear. For centuries, scholars have regarded the Poetics as the definitive statement on playwriting, although the precise meaning of Aristotle's ideas is debated to this day.

Some of its key contributions include:

Theory of Mimesis (Imitation): Aristotle argued that all art, including poetry, drama, and music, is based on imitation. However, unlike Plato who saw imitation as a flawed reflection of reality, Aristotle considered it a way to understand and experience universal truths through art.
Catharsis: One of Aristotle’s most influential ideas is that tragedy should evoke feelings of pity and fear in the audience, leading to a catharsis, or emotional purification. He believed that the purpose of tragedy is to stir these emotions and thereby cleanse the audience of them.
Six Elements of Tragedy: Aristotle identified six essential elements in a tragedy: plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle. He gave priority to plot, arguing that it is the most important aspect of drama and should have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Unities: Aristotle outlined the concept of the unities—unity of time, place, and action. These rules suggest that a tragedy should depict events that occur within a single day (unity of time), take place in one location (unity of place), and focus on one central plotline (unity of action).
Concepts of Hamartia and Hubris: Aristotle introduced hamartia (the tragic flaw) and hubris (excessive pride or defiance of the gods), which often lead to the downfall of tragic heroes.

In Poetics, Aristotle provided foundational ideas about the structure of narratives and the purpose of dramatic art, and these concepts became central to later Western literary criticism.

2. Rhetoric:

Rhetoric is Aristotle’s major work on the art of persuasion, and it has been foundational in the study of both literary criticism and communication. It outlines how rhetoric—speaking or writing effectively—can be used to influence an audience. Some of the key concepts include:

Three Modes of Persuasion: Aristotle argued that successful persuasion relies on three rhetorical appeals: ethos (credibility of the speaker), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical argument). These modes have had a lasting impact on how we understand and analyze speeches, texts, and other forms of communication.
Types of Rhetoric: Aristotle divided rhetoric into three categories: deliberative (used in political or decision-making contexts), forensic (used in legal settings to argue guilt or innocence), and epideictic (used in praise or blame, such as in speeches at ceremonies).
Enthymeme: Aristotle emphasized the importance of the enthymeme, a rhetorical syllogism, or a form of reasoning where the audience fills in the missing premise, as an effective tool in persuasion. This differs from the more formal syllogisms found in logic but is seen as more practical in rhetorical settings.
Audience Analysis: Aristotle recognized the need for speakers or writers to consider the nature of their audience, their emotions, beliefs, and predispositions. This understanding of audience is crucial for effective persuasion and remains central to modern rhetoric.

3. Aristotle's Other Lecture Notes:

Aristotle's lecture notes form the foundation of his reputation in philosophy and cover nearly every branch of knowledge and art. These notes were collected and arranged by later editors, and much of what we know about Aristotle's ideas is derived from them. Here’s an overview of the main areas his notes address:

i. Logic: The Organon

Aristotle’s works on logic are collectively called the Organon, meaning "instrument" or "tool." These texts serve as a guide to reasoning and argumentation. They outline the principles of deductive reasoning, including syllogisms, and provide a systematic approach to logical analysis. These lecture notes laid the groundwork for centuries of logical thought.

ii. Natural Science: Physics and Beyond

In his works on natural science, particularly Physics, Aristotle compiles a vast amount of information about the natural world. This includes topics such as:

Astronomy: Observations on celestial bodies and the nature of the cosmos.
Meteorology: The study of weather patterns and atmospheric phenomena.
Plants and Animals: Aristotle's biological studies, especially in zoology, are notable for their detailed classifications of living organisms.

These writings show Aristotle’s broad interest in understanding the physical world, and his approach to science was highly observational, making use of the natural world around him.

iii. First Philosophy: Metaphysics

Aristotle’s writings on the nature of existence are known as Metaphysics. Originally titled First Philosophy (Protē philosophia), this text received its current name because it followed Physics in the first edition of Aristotle’s works. In this treatise, Aristotle explores the concept of being and reality, examining what exists beyond the physical world.

The Prime Mover: One of the key ideas in Metaphysics is Aristotle’s concept of the Prime Mover, or the first cause of everything. He describes it as pure intellect, perfect in unity, and unchanging. Aristotle famously defines it as “the thought of thought,” the ultimate source of motion and existence in the universe.

iv. Ethics: Nicomachean Ethics

In his work on ethics, Aristotle offers a comprehensive analysis of moral character and intelligence. Nicomachean Ethics, dedicated to his son Nicomachus, investigates the relationship between virtue and happiness. Key themes in this work include:

Eudaimonia (Happiness): Aristotle argues that the ultimate goal of human life is happiness, which is achieved through the cultivation of virtue.
The Golden Mean: Aristotle’s famous doctrine of the "mean" suggests that virtue lies between extremes, advocating for balance in character and behavior.

These lecture notes form the basis of Aristotelian ethics, emphasizing the practical wisdom (phronesis) required to live a good life.

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