Aristotle contends that we are driven to philosophy and science by a “desire to know.” His broad and foundational inquiries in natural science, metaphysics, logic, ethics, politics, psychology, and art exhibit an approach to investigating the world grounded in that curiosity. This course provides necessary background in Aristotle’s metaphysics, but focuses on his treatment of ethics and politics, and poetics and rhetoric. In studying his positions and arguments in these areas, students will appreciate and practice his method of careful observation, distinction, and systematic organization. They will similarly work from his model of engagement with competing possibilities and views, particularly Plato’s. And in making sense of his own views as expressed in sometimes difficult and technical texts, they will develop interpretative and close reading skills.