Simplicius

Book 2 of the Physics is arguably the best introduction to Aristotle''s ideas as well as being the most interesting and representative book in the whole of his corpus. It defines nature and distinguishes natural science from mathematics. It introduces the seminal idea of four causes or four modes of explanation. It defines chance but rejects a theory of chance and natural selection in favour of purpose in nature. Simplicius writing in the sixth century AD adds his own considerable contribution to this work. Seeing Aristotle''s God as a Creator he discusses how nature relates to soul adds Stoic and Neoplatonist causes to Aristotle''s list of four and questions the likeness of cause to effect. He discusses missing a great evil or a great good by a hairsbreadth and considers whether animals act from reason or natural instinct. He also preserves a Posidonian discussion of mathematical astronomy.