Amersi Foundation Lecture Theatre, Brasenose College
The presentation will tackle the old and much discussed question whether and how, in Aristotle’s view, dialectic can be of service to philosophy. The focus is on the philosopher’s official and programmatic views about dialectic, above all as we know them from the Topics. On the basis of an examination of what Aristotle has to say about the uses of the dialectical method, the nature and varieties of dialectical practice and the materials of which dialectic makes use, I defend the conclusion that dialectic—both the method and the practice—have real if comparatively modest contributions to make to philosophy according to him. The door is left open for the possibility that he may have underestimated the significance of their value for philosophy.
