Book on the Science of Metaphysics, 14

Abstract

‘Abd al-Laṭīf al-Baghdādī’s Book on the Science of Metaphysics is an important work that contains the influence of both Alexander of Aphrodisias and Themistius in the interpretation of Aristotle. Only chapters 13-16 belong to the Lambda. The limitation results first of all from the main purpose of the work, namely to present a new witness for the reception of Arabic metaphysics. As can be seen from the introduction of the work, the work is conceived as a unified whole and may be meant as a kind of summa of metaphysics, a synopsis of four writings that hold high rank among medieval metaphysical works - especially since 'Abd al-Latif apparently regarded not only the Metaphysics but also his other sources as originating from Aristotle, the First Teacher. This translation includes only the eighth chapter of the Book Lamda.

Keywords

• ‘abd al-laṭīf al-baghdādī
• metaphysics
• book lambda
• fixed stars
• motion
• bodies
• sphere