On Aristotle’s arguments for the Earth’s smallness: argumentative gaps and context

Authors

  • Gonzalo L. Recio Universidad Nacional de Quilmes/CONICET/Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, Argentina.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23925/1980-7651.2021v28;p01-13

Abstract

In the last chapter of the second book of his De Caelo, Aristotle argues for the Earth’s smallness. In this paper I will differentiate between three relevant ways in which this feature can be understood, and I will explain how Aristotle’s arguments relate to them. I will argue that Aristotle’s arguments, as they are presented in the relevant passages, are not conclusive, and finally I will provide a plausible context which might help understand Aristotle’s text.

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Published

2022-02-23

Issue

Section

Original Articles