Thinking the 'phýsis' in Aristotle: the critique of Diogenes of Enoanda to the conception of the physics of Stagirite

Abstract

Among the testimonies to the fragmentary works of Aristotle, a fragment of Diogenes of Oinoanda is usually included. In this fragment, Diogenes criticizes Aristotle for supporting two theses: 1) the unknowability of entities and, therefore, 2) the negation of physics as a science. The confrontation of the Aristotelian texts with the fragment of Diogenes leads us to ask what the reasons are why this thinker has this interpretation of the thought of the Stagirite. Contrary to the theses that, for various reasons, involve platonizing readings, we believe that Diogenes intends to demonstrate an apparent inconsistency in Aristotle's thought. In order to examine the latter and determine the legitimacy of the objections of Diogenes, we will divide the work into two parts. In the first, we will analyze the testimony of Diogenes Oinoanda, whose consequence would be the negation of physics as science. In the second part, we will establish how Aristotle can answer the objections raised.