On The Problem Of Form In Aristotle's Theory Of Substance

Theory of Substance is the core of Aristotle's first philosophy. In metaphysics, Aristotle declares clearly that -form is the primary substance. This dissertation, however, does not focus on exploring the inner line along which the theory of substance has been developing. Instead, I will take great pains to discuss the problem of form in his theory of substance. During the process, I will integrate the discussion with the subject of Greek Ontology which is "saving phenomena "and constructing knowledge. Form, as the inner essence of individuals, assures the reality of things, and phenomena are then "saved". Form, as the object which is revealed in definition, forms the foundation of the construction of knowledge as well. Consequently, in Aristotle's theory of substance, form is the key to solve the above-mentioned problem in the history of Greek philosophy.Besides a preface, this dissertation includes four chapters in total. The first chapter mainly explores the reason and task of Aristotle's theory of form from the angle of the history of Greek philosophy. The second chapter discusses the four different rules on form defined by Aristotle and the relations among them from horizontal angle. The third chapter reveals the significant role of form in Aristotle's theory of substance from vertical angle. These two chapters constitute the main body of this dissertation. In the fourth chapter, the author gives a brief comment on Aristotle's theory of form, pointing out its success and deficiency in resolving the contradiction between substance and knowledge.