Abstract

The central topics of this work are Aristotle’s conceptions of meaning, essence, and necessity. These are dealt with in the two parts of the book: in part 1, “Aristotle on Language and Thought,” and then in part 2, “Aristotle on Definition, Essence and Natural Kinds.” Aristotle is examined both from the perspective of his improvements on his contemporaries and predecessors, and also in relation to current twentieth-century views. The two leading current figures whose views are discussed are Saul Kripke and Hilary Putnam. David Charles argues that Aristotle provides us with a viable rival alternative to the leading current views on the meaning of natural kind terms and associated essentialist claims.