Aristotle’s Meteorologica: Meteorology Then and Now

Description

Aristotle’s Meteorologica concentrates on the meteorological aspects of Aristotle’s work published as Meteorologica books A-D, and on how they compare now with our understanding of meteorology and climate change. In other words, how well did Aristotle fair when he tried to explain weather 2,300 years ago when there was only logic, eye observation, and past experience, with only primitive instrumentation and a few personalized measurements? While there are scientific issues behind Aristotle’s writings, this book is written for the non-specialist. The book uses simple examples to present its case, which will be easily followed by general readers. Table of Contents Prolegomena Introduction: about Aristotle His life His works BOOK A FROM ΜΕΤΕΩΡΟΛΟΓΙΚΑ Aristotle’s universe with a glimpse on climate change Meteorology now, part 1 Analogies and contrasts Key points of meteorology now, part 1 Back to Aristotle’s Meteorologica Meteorology now, part 2 Key points of meteorology now, part 2 Analogies and contrasts Back to Aristotle’s Meteorologica BOOK B FROM ΜΕΤΕΩΡΟΛΟΓΙΚΑ On winds Stormy weather Meteorology now, part 3 Key points of meteorology now, part 3 Back to Aristotle’s Meteorologica BOOK C FROM ΜΕΤΕΩΡΟΛΟΓΙΚΑ Aristotle’s optics Preparatory introduction Aristotle’s general theory of colour The halo Rainbow Sun dogs and light pillars Aurora Borealis BOOK D FROM ΜΕΤΕΩΡΟΛΟΓΙΚΑ Aristotle’s notion on thermodynamic equilibrium Concluding remarks Appendix I: Aristotle’s poem ‘Ode to Virtue’ Appendix II: Aristotle on climate change