Commentary on Aristotle's Physics

The Physics is the initial work in Aristotle's natural philosophy, and, to paraphrase the Philosopher, having clarity in the beginning begets greater certainty as one continues the study. From the outset of his career, Thomas recognized the importance of the Physics. In his early Principles of Nature, he shows a mastery of Aristotle's teaching on the constitution of physical objects.

But the importance of the Physics is by no means exhausted in the role it plays within natural philosophy. Without physics there can be no metaphysics. The fundamental affinity between Thomas and Aristotle is most obvious in the shared conviction that it is only the basis of knowledge of the things around us, the physical things that come to be and pass away, that we have knowledge of those things that exist but are not material.

This commentary exhibits the familiar technique of the commentaries of Aristotle, a technique found in Thomas's biblical commentaries as well, most prominently in the order of the division of the text. The primary purpose is to grasp and elaborate what Aristotle taught and why. As commentator, Thomas is both objective and empathetic. The commentary he provides continues the discourse found in the text, but does not convolute or distort the Philosopher's meaning and intention.