Metaphysics

Metaphysics is a book by Aristotle, first published around 340 BCE. It stands as one of the foundational texts of Western philosophy, delving into the nature of being, substance, causation, and the principles of reality itself. In this monumental work, Aristotle explores what he calls “first philosophy” — the study of existence beyond the physical world — and lays the groundwork for metaphysical inquiry that shaped centuries of thought in theology, science, and philosophy alike. Aristotle’s Metaphysics bridges the gap between logic and the natural sciences, examining the causes and purposes that underlie all things. His analysis of “being qua being,” or being as such, continues to influence discussions in ontology and epistemology. The text offers a profound exploration of the ultimate realities behind change, motion, and knowledge, establishing key concepts like potentiality and actuality that remain central to philosophical inquiry. This enduring work has guided thinkers from Aquinas to Kant, and remains essential reading for those interested in classical philosophy, metaphysical thought, and the evolution of Western intellectual tradition. Readers seeking to understand the origins of metaphysics, the foundations of reason, and the philosophical roots of science will find this text both challenging and enlightening. This translation by W. D. Ross was originally published in 1924.