On the Soul

work by Alexander of Aphrodisias

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June 17, 2026

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Alexander of Aphrodisias, a philosopher from around 200 CE, is known for his commentaries on Aristotle's works and his original writings, particularly On the Soul. In this work, he interpreted Aristotle's doctrine of the soul and intellect. Alexander proposed that the human "mortal intellect" requires the "active intellect" to function. He argued that this active intellect is inherent in every person and is identical with God. This interpretation led to the belief that the human intellect does not survive the death of the physical body, a view that was debated extensively in medieval Europe regarding the nature of personal immortality.12

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Alexander Of Aphrodisias
…or predetermined human action; and On the Soul, in which he draws upon Aristotle’s doctrine of the soul and the intellect. According to Alexander, the human thought process, which he calls the “mortal intellect,” can function only with the help of the “active intellect,” which lies in every man and…
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…or predetermined human action; and On the Soul, in which he draws upon Aristotle’s doctrine of the soul and the intellect. According to Alexander, the human thought process, which he calls the “mortal intellect,” can function only with the help of the “active intellect,” which lies in every man and…
Read More