Roman Aristotle in Philosophia Togata Research Paper

Roman Aristotle in Philosophia Togata - Research Paper Example Barnes is of the view that he was not only a genius beyond all measure but a considerate soul, fervently devoted to his friends and passionately interested in the enhancement of human knowledge in all its forms (8). Consequently, all remarkable universities, research and knowledge centers, and libraries of Asian, European and African countries keep the intellectual works of this brilliant personality as the most influential ancient treaties in order to take advantage of the outstanding wisdom and exceptional foresight attributed to this distinguished philosopher. Although there are no exact records of the births and deaths of ancient personalities, yet Aristotle’s notes transferred to his sculpture demonstrate that he was born in 384 B.C. in Stagira, a little city of Chalcidice peninsula. Keltz is of the opinion that the record and description about Aristotle’s birth year are sought from the Roman copy of an original Greek sculpture made by the famous court sculptor of the era called Lysippos (c. 330 BC). Consequently, he is rightly viewed as the contemporary of Demosthenes (13). Aristotle’s biographical records also declare Aristotle as the member of an educated and respected Macedonia family, as his father Nicomachus had been serving as the personal physician of the Macedonian King Amyntas, the grandfather of distinguished world-conqueror and king Alexander the Great, which manifestly reveals that Aristotle’s ancestors were highly qualified and reputable citizens of their times, though no one could reach the height of fame and popularity Aristotle has been blessed with both intellectually and financially. Aristotle received his early education under the supervision of his illustrious mentor Plato, as he was sent to Athens to seek knowledge and wisdom at Plato’s Academy by 367 BC. Thus, Aristotle’s uncle, who was his patron and guardian as well after the demise of Aristotle’s father when the child was very young , paid due heed to the upbringing and socialization of the budding genius (Thomas & Thomas, 22). He spent nearly two decades at Academy and went through all the patterns of coaching introduced and applied by Plato for training and educating his pupils. Although he used to differ to Plato’s viewpoints frequently, the brilliant Aristotle was one of the most favorite students of Plato, and was expected to take the place of his mentor after the latter death; somehow, conspiracies and intrigues prevailing at the Academy did not allow him to win the position of the Academy President. Since the Academy’s trustees looked for controlling the affairs of the educational set up through a native Athenian, Aristotle had no other option than leaving Athens forever by 346 BC for better career and research prospects. It was the time when his close associate Hermias had been appointed the Lord of Asia Minor; he sought Aristotle’s services in order to seek guidelines from his phil osophical thoughtfulness in order to administer the political and social affairs in the light of intellectual wisdom and foresight (Taylor, 1955). Aristotle rendered his valuable services at the court but had to leave the area in the wake of Hermias’s murder at the hands of the Persian forces.