Aristotle, De Caelo 279 a 18–35 (or 279 b 3), a “Fragment” of the Lost Aristotelian on Philosophy

ARISTOTLE, DE CAELO 279 a 18-85 (or 279 b 8), A "FRAGMENT " OF THE LOST ARISTOTELIAN ON PHILOSOPHY IN DE CAELO 277 a 27- 279 b 8 (Book I, chaps. 8-9) Aristotle maintains, among other matters, that " the cosmos (heaven) [the physical universe] is one," that "more than one cosmos is impossible," that " the cosmos is eternal," that "nothing corporeal [physical] can exist outside the cosmos ," and that " all corporeal things (or everything corporeal or physical) are ' congregated ' within the cosmos." From all this it must be inferred, Aristotle continues (ibid., 279 a 11-18), that " no place or void or time can exist outside the heaven," because place or void or time are dependent " on the presence (or existence) of a physical body." "It is clear, then," Aristotle concludes (ibid.), "that there is neither place nor void nor time outside the cosmos." After having stated all this (ibid., 279 a 11-18), one would surmise that in keeping with what he had said ibid., 277 b 2729 , to wit, in accordance with his statement that " we must show not only that the cosmos is one, but also that more than one cosmos is simply impossible . . . as well as that . . . the cosmos is eternal," beginning with 279 a 18 Aristotle would set out to dicuss the eternity, ungeneratedness, and indestructibility of the cosmos. As a matter of fact, Aristotle touches on the eternity of the cosmos in 279 b 4 ff. But between 279 a 18 and 279 b 4, we find what seems to be an " insertion " which, owing to its particular style and specific content, definitely appears to be somewhat out of place. This "out-of-place insertion" (ibid., 279 a 18-85, or 279 b 8 reads as follows: Hence, whatever is there [to wit, outside the cosmos or heaven], is of such a nature as not to occupy any place, nor does time age ARISTOTLE, " DE CAELO " 333 it, nor is there any change in any of the things which lie beyond the outermost motion. These " things " continue through their entire duration unalterably and without modification, having the best and most self-sufficient existence. As a matter of fact, the term " duration " did possess a divine meaning for the ancients, because the fulfilment, which includes the period of life of any creature outside of which no natural development can fall, has been called its duration. On the same principle the fulfilment of the whole heaven, the fulfilment of which includes all of time as well as infinity , is "duration "-a term based upon the fact that it is always (aiwv)-that is, duration immortal and divine. From it derive being and life which other things, some more or less articulately but others feebly, enjoy. So too, in its discussions concering the divine and addressed to a general public (€yKvKAw qnA.taocp~p.am) the view is propounded that whatever is divine, that is, whatever is primary and supreme is completely unchangeable. This fact also confirms what we have said. For there is nothing stronger than it to move it, because this would imply a greater degree of divinity. It also has no defect and does not lack any of the excellences proper to it. [Its unceasing movement, then, is also reasonable . Because everything ceases to move when it comes to its proper place. But the body whose path is the circle has one and the same place for starting-point and goal]." In brief, De Caelo 279 a 18-22, or the :first part of the "insertion " begins with the assertion that the " beyond " or " outside " (raKeZ) / which is " outside " the outermost sphere of the heaven, has" no place (r61ro~) nor void nor time." Neither is it subject to change, but throughout all of eternity remains unchanged and, hence, enjoys" the best and most self-sufficient of all existences." At this point we ought to clarify the exact meaning of the term raKet-" outside" or "beyond "-in the Aristotelian passage. Alexander of Aphrodisias, according to the testimony of Simplicius: is of the opinion that this term refers to the outer sphere of the fixed stars. In the words of Simplicius, Alexander of Aphrodisias 3...