Open Access, Peer-reviewed
pISSN 2671-5651
eISSN 2671-566X
    Korean J Phys Anthropol. 2015 Sep;28(3):127-136. Korean.
    Published online Sep 30, 2015.
    https://doi.org/10.11637/kjpa.2015.28.3.127
    Copyright © 2015 Korean Association of Physical Anthropologists
    Review

    Aristotelian Philosophy in Its Bearing on Anatomical Thought

    Chang Ho Song
      • Department of Anatomy, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea.
    • Correspondence to: Chang Ho Song. (Department of Anatomy, Chonbuk National University Medical School). Email: asch@jbnu.ac.kr

    Abstract

    Although Aristotle is commonly known as a theoretical philosopher and a logician, he was also a great natural scientist. Actually in modern terms he was the first ever anatomist who originated anatomy. Despite the fact that he didn't directly dissect humans, he observed parts of fetus and tried systematic analysis of animal bodies. The achievements he has accomplished in human anatomy and animal comparative anatomy are countless. He accurately described organs and built a foundation for presenting scientific reasons in anatomical research. Furthermore, he made modern nomenclature which is still being used today and his observational skills were so precise it was hard to even believe. Even though there were a lot of errors in his physiological concepts, his structural descriptions about organs and body parts were the best at that time.

    The aim of this article is to discuss how Aristotle's anatomy and philosophy are closely related. It's aim is to take a look at his anatomical achievements, errors and Aristotelian philosophy in its bearing on anatomical thoughts. In addition, the goal is to knowledge today's anatomists about Aristotle's astonishing achievements as a great pioneer in anatomy.

    Keywords
    Aristotle; Anatomy; Biology; Embryology; Philosophy

    Figures

    Fig. 1
    Aristotle (B.C. 384~322).

    Fig. 2
    Scheme of the four qualities and the four elements as exhibited in the Aristotelian writings and of the four humours as exhibited in the Hippocratic and Aristotelian writing (from Singer, 1957 [3]).

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    MeSH Terms
    Anatomists
    Anatomy, Comparative
    Animals
    Biology
    Embryology
    Fetus
    Human Body
    Humans
    Philosophy*
    Physiological Phenomena
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