Abstract

Thomas' commentary, which is three times the size of Aristotle's work, is a detailed paragraph-by-paragraph exposition of the Philosopher's thought, supplemented by discussions of the commentators Thomas knew, especially Averroes. Thomas' rare disagreements with Aristotle, e.g., on the question of the eternity of the world, are usually occasioned by theological concerns but are defended on strictly philosophical grounds. This careful literal translation makes available the clearest and most complete presentation of medieval Aristotelian physics. Thomas' work is also important as an expression of the ideal, which some still cherish, of a unified philosophical science of physical reality.--E. M. M.