![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Aristotle used aether as an element because it helped to fill-in the gaps that he saw in his scientific studies for concepts like the movement of sound or light, along with gravity. What Is Aether and Why Does It Matter?Īether, or quintessence, is the materials that fill the universe outside of what exists on a planetary level. That’s when he decided to add a fifth element to his theory of the universe: aether. Yet, Aristotle could not deny the fact that there was evidence in the observable world that something unseen was acting upon nature. Because of this, it made more sense to him that all things would be composed of items that were observable to the human eye without giving a thought to there being something smaller that required assistance to see. The reason for his solution to how substances were created was ultimately simplistic: Aristotle believed that the Earth was the center of the universe in his teachings. If something was dry and cold, then it was more likely to contain more fire and earth elements. If a substance happened to be wet and cold, then it was more likely to contain more of the water and earth elements than fire and air elements. These category descriptions were hot, dry, cold, and wet. He taught that there were four different category descriptions that would indicate the presence of one element more than another. How Aristotle Developed His TheoryĪristotle believed that it was possible to determine which substances contained more or less of each element based on its structure, design, and composition. Aristotle believed that these elements could be observed on their own, but all substances would also be made up of varying levels of all four elements to take on their unique composition.Īlthough Aristotle’s atomic theory has been disproven, his observations about the universe helped to send future scientists on a journey that would lead them closer to the truth. Those four elements were Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. He taught that there were four elements that composed all materials that could be found on Earth. He didn’t believe that the world and universe were composed of atoms. Until then, there were long periods of acceptance of false ideas and concepts designed by a man who made many observations and theories which lead to great progress.The Aristotle atomic theory model is an idea that doesn’t really exist. Only in the period of the alchemists did this begin to change. His ideas were therefore generally unquestioned. Due to the scientific progress some of Aristotle’s ideas brought about, Aristotle was revered in the Middle Ages. While many biological discoveries lead to progress of understanding human condition, the idea ON MATTER lead to hindrance. It has been said that Aristotle discovered much on many areas of science, leading both to ideas causing some of the greatest progresses in science but also to ideas that lead to some of the greatest hindrance to scientific progress. This contribution was the delay caused to the emergence of the atomic theory. Despite this, Aristotle’s theory did contribute too the atomic theory in another way which was a negative way. The only thing Aristotle discovered that caries on to the modern atomic theory is the fact that there are elements, which is implied in Aristotle’s theory. One only has to look at the periodic table to see this is the case. Aristotle believed that all matter was made up either of one of the elements of water air earth and fire or combinations of these four elements, with the exception of stars and planets which were made of aether.Īristotle’s theory of matter has been proven wrong. He believed that there were only five elements: air which was light, earth which was cool and heavy, water which was wet, fire which was hot, and Aether which he viewed as a divine substance which made up the stars and planets. Many state that Aristotle knew everything that was known at the time when he was alive.Ĭoncerning matter, Aristotle had a view that was rather foreign to the modern concept. He did understand much on the world around him. Aristotle was taught by Plato and also taught the renowned Alexander the Great, who was also influenced by his teacher’s scientific knowledge so much so that he insured experts including scientists were present when he conquered so that they could make new discoveries along the way. He wrote of and studied many topics such as ethics, theater, metaphysics, zoology, poetry, and music. Sometime around 340 BCE: Aristotle describes his idea of five elements of Matter. ![]()
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