The chapters of this volume represent some of the most promising results of current advanced research on a number of related themes in the thought of Aristotle, and in so doing aim to honor the many and varied contributions of Allan Gotthelf to Aristotelian studies. These two aims are not accidentally connected. Perhaps no one has done more in recent decades to promote, to sponsor, to organize, and to stimulate research on these topics in Aristotle's thought than Allan Gotthelf. The explorations and ideas on display here all reflect and, to a significant degree, derive from his efforts. As such, they constitute a fitting token of esteem from his friends and colleagues. As he would be the first to agree, nothing could be more suitable, as a way of honoring him and his accomplishments, than to further advance our understanding of Aristotle.

Many of the essays in this collection were first presented at a gathering held at the University of Pittsburgh on October 1–3, 2004 under the rubric: “Being, Nature, and Life: A Conference Celebrating Allan Gotthelf's Contributions to the Study of Classical Philosophy and Science.” Others are contributed by scholars who were unable to attend. The main themes here are those of the conference: Aristotle's metaphysics, his natural science and biology, and his methodology. All of these studies exhibit, to a greater or lesser extent, the interconnections among these topics in Aristotle's own thinking.