Reading Blog: On Computers

Comments:
Steven Hennessy
Derek Landini

Reference information:
Title: The Complete Works of Aristotle - The Revised Oxford Translation, Vol. 2
Author: Aristotle

Summary:
Aristotle goes into great detail describing plants and determining what it means to have a soul, making comparisons between plants and humans along the way. He begins by discussing aspects of features of living. For example, he defines the functions of sleeping and waking up as measures of whether plants have souls. Sleep, he says, is "the enfeebled condition of sensation", but since plants vegetate constantly, they do not sleep. He goes into genders and reproduction in species of plants and animals, noting that plants require the right season, sunshine and temperature in order to reproduce properly.

He continues by listing a plant's three powers: earth, water and fire. He explains that these powers result in natural phenomena like earthquakes and salt formations. Later he defines the four things plants need: a definite seed, a suitable position, and a suitable supply of air and water, and all four of these together are necessary for a plant to grow; otherwise it is weak, but can still survive. He also lists some different types of plants, such as herbs, trees and bushes.

I was reminded of this shirt design called "Music is Life" from shirt.woot.com 

Discussion:
I thought it was clever that Aristotle could have this much insight into plants so long ago, using only observation and speculation. The comparisons he makes about plants' lives and needs to those of humans are also very unique. I am somewhat shocked having read this, thinking of how much time and effort he put into studying plants and thinking of logical reasons and connections explaining them.