Aristotelian Hylomorphism - Graduate Seminar (MT 2026)

Tuesdays, 11am–1pm; Schwarzman Centre, Ryle Room (20.339)

In this graduate class we shall discuss Aristotle’s idea that objects are compounds consisting of matter and form. We shall focus on some of the central texts in which he sets out this idea, and on issues such as the relations among form, matter, and compound, the way in which matter and form are ‘parts’ of the compound ‘whole’, the unity of the compound and its form, whether the matter is related accidentally, necessarily, or essentially to form, and further related themes. We shall raise and seek to address both interpretative and conceptual questions about such issues. A fuller reading list will be provided in week 1’s meeting.

Topics and Schedule:

Week 1: General Issues. Matter & Form in Physics I (Physics I.5; I.7)

Week 2: Nature; Matter & Form as Natures (Physics II.1)

Week 3: Mathematical vs Natural Form I: Errors of ‘Hyperformalism’; Snubness Introduced (Physics II.2 45 & Metaphysics Z.11)

Week 4: Mathematical vs Natural Form II: Enmattered Formulae; Snubness & Soul (De Anima I.1; Metaphysics E.1)

Week 5: Form, Matter, & Compound: Priority (Metaphysics Z.10).

Week 6: ‘This [form] in this [matter] or certain [material] items in a certain [formal] state’. Snubness, Babbling, and Resolution (Metaphysics Z.11; Sophistici Elenchi 13 & 31; cf. Metaphysics Z.5)

Week 7: Hylomorphism & the Causal-Explanatory Model [Physics II.3 & 7-9 (selections); Metaphysics Z.17 and H)

Week 8: Purism, Impurism, and the Definition of the Soul in De Anima II.1-2 (see also De Anima II.3)