Helpful Hints for “Ask Aristotle”:

1)       This website is not a research tool for people looking for an easy way to study the works of Aristotle.  If you have general questions concerning the philosophy of Aristotle, please consult The Complete Works of Aristotle by either purchasing the book or finding it in your local library.  Aristotle will no longer answer such general questions such as “what is your (Aristotle’s) view of morality.”  This question is not only too general, but it implies that the questioner is too lazy to read Aristotle’s works for himself.  If, after having read Aristotle’s philosophy, you still have questions (specific questions, not general) and want clarification on a certain point or meaning, then please feel free to ask.  Aristotle himself will be the judge as to whether or not the question deserves to be answered.

2)       Questions related to philosophy in general or current events are preferred over questions specific to the works of Aristotle.  For instance, “why is it immoral for Napster to do what they do” is a much better question than “what is a proper morality for people to live by.”  The first question would surely be answered, while the second will surely be ignored.

3)       Questions concerning the philosophy of Objectivism or the novels of Ayn Rand are given priority over all others (provided that they are specific rather than too general).  One of Aristotle’s favorite questions was “why was it moral for Dagny to murder the guard in Atlas Shrugged.”

4)       Aristotle prefers challenging questions to easy ones.

5)       Advice questions are also welcome, provided they have some philosophical significance.  After all, applying philosophy to our lives is what we are all about.  However, if all you want to ask is “should I break up with Don,” or “should I buy a new car,” then go ask Dr. Laura or Dear Abby.  Aristotle does not care.

6)       Please keep in mind that Aristotle is very busy and does not always answer in a timely manner.  Therefore, to insure that you are informed if and when Aristotle does answer your question, it is recommended that you include your e-mail address.  Please note that we respect your privacy.  Aristotle uses this information only to let you know that your question and the corresponding answer have been posted.  We do not keep e-mail addresses, nor do we have any use for them.  Our only mailing list consists of our members who have asked to be included, and asking Aristotle is NOT the way to join our group.  Contact the webmaster for that.  But remember that leaving your e-mail address is optional.  It is not required, but you will have to check back at our website from time to time to see if your question has been answered since Aristotle will have no other way of informing you.

7)       If you are still not clear as to what constitutes a good question vs. a bad one, just take a look at the questions Aristotle has already answered.  This should give you an idea.

8)       Do not use profanity.

9)       Do not ask questions that have already been asked!  Look at what has already been posted to see if your question has already been answered.  There is absolutely no reason why people should still be asking “what is the meaning of life.”  Look!  It is there!  Don’t just trust me, look and see for yourself.

10)    Please address Aristotle in the second person, not the third.  Use the word “you.”  Do not use “Aristotle” as if he has been dead for 2000 years and someone else were just pretending to be him.  Besides, it hurts his feelings.

And now I invite you to take a look at the following question and see how many things you can find wrong with it and why it would not be answered.

“What is Aristotle’s theory of morality and all that s**t?”

You should be able to come up with the following:

·         Questioner is looking for the easy way out as opposed to reading Aristotle’s works for himself.

·         The question is too general.  There is no way to some up volumes of work in just a couple of paragraphs.  Needs to be more specific.

·         Even if Aristotle had time to reiterate his philosophy for this person, there would be no challenge to it since he would merely be repeating what he has already written.

·         The use of profanity.

·         Question uses “Aristotle’s” instead of “your.”

·         Aristotle is busy and has no time to waste on this person.

Well, I hope these guidelines help.  Good luck chatting with Aristotle.  He is a very wise philosopher and I am sure you will be glad you talked with him—provided you are worthy.  I know him personally, and he can be a real bear some times.  But he is a fair bear with savoir faire! 

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