what is philosophy by aristotle

Answer 1

There are many ways one could go with an answer to this question. Philosophy literally means love (philo) of wisdom (sophia). Our drive for philosophy manifests itself, he thinks, is various ways, beginning with our interest in what we see and otherwise sense. But as we mature it takes on a more sophisticated form that leads us to wonder about why things are the way that they are. Wisdom, as he understands it, is the understanding of first principles (of beings qua beings, but this gets complicated quickly). First philosophy is the discipline that seeks to attain wisdom and acquire and understanding of the ultimate first principles of beings in reality. He also recognizes the study of nature as "second philosophy", because its objects undergo change and fluctuation (though generally in regular patterns, which allows us to understand them). I could go on, but I'd need more details about the context of the question and what you're wondering to fill the picture out. I wrote a book on Aristotle's conception of philosophy (and how it informs his approach to ethics). So, I'd be happy to elaborate.