Aristotle's Concept of the Universe : Foundations of Philosophy

Aristotle's understanding of the universe is a subject he deals with in detail in his work Metaphysics. While trying to explain the existence and nature of the universe, Aristotle adopted a more concrete approach, opposing Plato's world of Ideas. According to him, the universe is formed by the combination of concepts such as matter and form. Matter is the element that constitutes the physical existence of something and is open to change. Form, on the other hand, expresses the essential structure and essence of something. According to Aristotle, the real existence of something is possible if it has matter and form. The existence of the universe is based on this matter-form relationship. Additionally, Aristotle argued that the universe was not eternal and had a beginning. This starting point holds an important place in his understanding of the universe because it is seen as the cause of the universe. Aristotle's understanding of the universe is one of the cornerstones of his philosophy and has influenced many modern philosophical and scientific thoughts.