Workshop in Ancient Philosophy (Thursday - Week 2, HT26)

Abstract: The most widespread interpretation of Aristotle’s well-known lines in De Interpretatione 1 (16a3–9) is that vocal utterances are signs of affections in the soul, which are in turn likenesses of objects. According to this view, vocal utterances signify objects in the world through these affections. However, I will argue that, contrary to this interpretation, Aristotle does not mention objects in general in these lines, but only those objects whose concepts are primary. I will identify these objects and their concepts, and compare Aristotle’s primary concepts with Plato’s primary names in the Cratylus.

Registration: If you do not hold a university card, please contact the seminar convenor or admin@philosophy.ox.ac.uk at least two working days before a seminar to register your attendance.