MACMILLAN Substance in Aristotle's Metaphysics Zeta

Review “Norman Dahl offers a thorough, detailed and sophisticated analysis of Book 7 (Zeta, as it’s commonly known) of Aristotle’s Metaphysics, a book of the Metaphysics universally recognized to be both central to its project and difficult to understand. Dahl expertly leads the reader through the intricacies of Zeta’s arguments, chapter by chapter, making clear its difficulties and revealing how a coherent interpretation of the book can be seen to emerge. This essay is a focused piece of scholarship that leads the reader to Dahl’s convincing conclusion that ‘according to Z, substantial forms constitute substantial being in the sensible world, and individual composites are the basic constituents that have that kind of being.’” (Aryeh Kosman, John Whitehead Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, Haverford College, USA) “An admirable contribution to a contentious set of topics.” (Frank A. Lewis, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Southern California) “Are the primary substances of Metaphysics Z individual composites or their substantial forms? In Dahl’s view, they are both: substantial forms constitute substantial being, and individual composites are the basic constituents that have this kind of being. Dahl’s interpretation stands out in being constructed entirely of materials found within Z itself. This gem of scholarship offers the most thorough and sophisticated examination of Z to date. It is a must-read for every serious ‘Zetologist.’” (S. Marc Cohen, Professor Emeritus, Department of Philosophy, University of Washington, USA) “Engagingly written and offering a novel defense of the view that hylomorphic compounds are more fundamental than their constituents, Dahl makes a welcome and idiosyncratic contribution to the secondary literature.” (Phil Corkum, Associate Professor, University of Alberta, Canada) Product Description This book argues that according to Metaphysics Zeta, substantial forms constitute substantial being in the sensible world, and individual composites make up the basic constituents that possess this kind of being. The study explains why Aristotle provides a reexamination of substance after the Categories, Physics, and De Anima, and highlights the contribution Z is meant to make to the science of being. Norman O. Dahl argues that Z.1-11 leaves both substantial forms and individual composites as candidates for basic constituents, with Z.12 being something that can be set aside. He explains that although the main focus of Z.13-16 is to argue against a Platonic view that takes universals to be basic constituents, some of its arguments commit Aristotle to individual composites as basic constituents, with Z.17’s taking substantial form to constitute substantial being is compatible with that commitment. . From the Back Cover This book argues that according to Metaphysics Zeta, substantial forms constitute substantial being in the sensible world, and individual composites make up the basic constituents that possess this kind of being. The study explains why Aristotle provides a reexamination of substance after the Categories, Physics, and De Anima, and highlights the contribution Z is meant to make to the science of being. Norman O. Dahl argues that Z.1-11 leaves both substantial forms and individual composites as candidates for basic constituents, with Z.12 being something that can be set aside. He explains that although the main focus of Z.13-16 is to argue against a Platonic view that takes universals to be basic constituents, some of its arguments commit Aristotle to individual composites as basic constituents, with Z.17’s taking substantial form to constitute substantial being is compatible with that commitment. About the Author Norman O. Dahl is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Minnesota. His main interests are moral philosophy and ancient philosophy. In the latter area he is the author of Practical Reason, Aristotle, and Weakness of the Will (1984),articles on Metaphys