As Rome conquered Greece and
much of Europe, it is uncertain if
they even knew of Aristotle. In any
event, Romans and later Christian
philosophers, especially the latter,
adhered to Plato’s views.
Statue of Aristotle
(1915) by Cipri
Adolf Bermann at
the University
of Freiburg im
Breisgau
When returning Crusaders brought
much of Aristotle’s works back to
Europe, one European monk studied
them in detail. Thomas Aquinas,
in the 13th century, concluded
that Aristotle could be completely
reconciled with Christianity
(he failed). Yes, there was one
world and it was knowable to
Man. Earth was the material part
and Heaven was the spiritual part.
Reason and logic could be employed
to understand all about Earth,
although faith was still required
for the Heavenly portion.
By making reason and logic
respectable and not subject to
condemnation by the Catholic
Church, Aquinas paved the way
for the Renaissance. Once again,
after centuries of the Dark and
Middle ages, scientific inquiry and
artistic and architectural
achievements began.
In the minds of many, Aristotle’s
philosophy became tied to the
philosophy of the Catholic Church.
Later philosophers such as John
Locke and the Founding Fathers of
the U.S. all relied on reason and logic
in developing their great political
theory of individual rights. But they
didn’t give Aristotle his due. Today,
all of Western civilization relies,
usually implicitly, on his teachings
to reach current knowledge and our
standard of living.
On a lighter note, Aristotle’s theme
park is located in Stagira. During the
summer, if the weather cooperates,
can see some of the monasteries on
Mount Athos. It prides itself in
including a series of instruments.
When they are properly played, they
reinforce the phenomena of nature.
The instruments include: solar, lens,
Pentaphone, Optical Discs, Pendulum,
Water Turbine, Inertia sopheres,
Parabolic reflectors and Telescopses
and they do make music.
His approach suffered from an
obvious lack of objectivity in defining
what were the ends around such
Golden Mean. Also, just who were
these “wise Athenians?”
These flaws all served to keep Aristotle’s
philosophy from dominance in the
Hellenic and Arabic worlds. He did,
however, retain prominence and respect.
There have been accountings
that Aristotle loved the honey of
Hakidiki. It is based on the climate
and edaphic conditions and flora of
Halkidiki. This region was also known
for its wine wine and still is. The say
Aristotle’s favorite was “limnio.”
All things considered, we owe a
profound debt of gratitude today
to that singular Greek, Aristotle.
103
Filippos B Kozani