Aristotle's Astronomical System

Abstract

This paper presents the main aspects of Aristotle's cosmological system, highlighting the profound interconnection between his physics, metaphysics, and astronomical thought. Beginning with a biographical and intellectual context, it explores how Aristotle reinterprets the legacy of Eudoxus and Callippus by integrating the concept of the Unmoved First Mover into his framework. The text discusses the various types of celestial and terrestrial motion, the distinction between the supralunar and sublunar realms, and the nature and role of the unmoved movers in the universal order. It also addresses Aristotle’s teleological view of nature, in which every phenomenon occurs for the sake of an end. Finally, it considers internal tensions within the model, especially regarding the unclear number of unmoved movers and the challenge of reconciling their multiplicity with the unity of the cosmos. This study aims to offer a comprehensive and critical overview of Aristotelian cosmology, recognizing both its systematic strength and inherent ambiguities.