Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of Aristotle and his influence on philosophy. Please consider the following questions:
- Have you ever heard of Aristotle or his contributions to philosophy?
- How do you think the ideas of ancient philosophers like Aristotle can still be relevant today?
- Can you think of any modern concepts or technologies that might have been influenced by Aristotle’s ideas?
- How does your own education or personal interests relate to the subjects that Aristotle studied, such as metaphysics, ethics, or biology?
- What do you think is the most important aspect of Aristotle’s legacy, and why?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image provided at the top of this page. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Please discuss your thoughts and predictions with your partner or group.
Introduction:
Now, let’s read the introduction to the activity and learn more about Aristotle’s life and contributions to philosophy.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video Aristotle – The Teacher of Alexander the Great – The Great Greek Philosophers and pause at the following points to discuss the questions:
- Pause at 2:00 minutes: What were Aristotle’s early life and education like? How did his background influence his future as a philosopher?
- Pause at 5:00 minutes: What were some of the key differences between Aristotle’s philosophy and that of his teacher, Plato? How did these differences shape Aristotle’s ideas?
- Pause at 8:00 minutes: How did Aristotle’s work in biology and nature contribute to the development of science? What were some of his most significant discoveries or contributions?
After watching the video, please visit the original post at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/aristotle-the-teacher-of-alexander-the-great-the-great-greek-philosophers/ to learn more about Aristotle and his legacy.
Vocabulary Quiz:
Test your understanding of the vocabulary related to Aristotle and his philosophy by completing the quiz:
- Which word means ‘based on observation or experience rather than theory’ in the context of Aristotle’s interests?
- A) Metaphysics
- B) Empirical
- C) Philosophical
- D) Systematic
- What term describes the process of ‘classifying species in a detailed and systematic way’ as pioneered by Aristotle?
- A) Dissection
- B) Classification
- C) Systematic Classification
- D) Empirical Science
- Which phrase best describes Aristotle’s ‘influence on later philosophers and scientists, including those in the Islamic and medieval periods’?
- A) Legacy and Impact
- B) Philosophical Contributions
- C) Historical Significance
- D) Aristotelianism
- What word means ‘a person of great knowledge or expertise in a particular field’ as applied to Aristotle’s father, who was a physician?
- A) Renowned
- B) Prominent
- C) Influential
- D) Distinguished
- Which term refers to ‘the study of the fundamental nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter’ as an area of study addressed by Aristotle’s writings?
- A) Ethics
- B) Politics
- C) Logic
- D) Metaphysics
Grammar Focus:
Practice using the present perfect simple and past simple tenses by completing the grammar quiz:
- Which of the following sentences is in the present perfect simple tense?
- Aristotle studied philosophy at the Academy in Athens.
- Aristotle has studied philosophy at the Academy in Athens.
- Aristotle was a student of philosophy at the Academy in Athens.
- Aristotle is studying philosophy at the Academy in Athens.
- Choose the correct form of the verb in parentheses to complete the sentence in the past simple tense: Aristotle ________ (study) at the Academy in Athens for almost 20 years.
- has studied
- studied
- is studying
- was studying
- Which sentence uses the present perfect simple tense to connect the past to the present?
- Aristotle developed a distinct philosophy that differed from Plato’s.
- Aristotle has developed a distinct philosophy that has influenced many.
- Aristotle was a prominent figure in the history of philosophy.
- Aristotle is developing a new philosophy.
- Select the sentence that correctly uses the past simple tense to describe a completed action in the past:
- Aristotle has founded a philosophical school called the Lyceum.
- Aristotle founded a philosophical school called the Lyceum.
- Aristotle is founding a philosophical school called the Lyceum.
- Aristotle was founding a philosophical school called the Lyceum.
