It is widely accepted that although Aristotle acknowledges in De Caelo that the universe is composed of one celestial element and four terrestrial elements(earth,water,air,and fire),he does not provide a rigorous argument to explain why only these four elements exist.In fact,De Caelo includes a complete demonstration to differentiate the elements.Aristotle first distinguishes three simple motions to establish the existence of three simple bodies.Based on his theory of contra-ries and the principle of parsimony,each heavy or light simple body within these three bodies is can further be divided into two kinds,respectively.Ultimately,Aristotle finds that there are five ele-ments included in the entire universe.This reconstruction helps us to understand Aristotle's theory of elements and the relationship between De Caelo and De Generatione et Corruptione.
关键词
《论天》/元素/证明/相反者/居间者
Key words
De Caelo/Elements/Demonstration/Contraries/Intermediates
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