TEMPORALITY AND NON-CONTRADICTION IN ARISTOTLE’S METAPHYSICS BOOK Γ

Abstract

This article goes back to the principle of non-contradiction, following the thesis presented in Book Gama of Aristotle’s Metaphysics, with the intention to understand why the Greek philosopher did provide the principle with a temporal constitution. The main obstacle for the present proposal is to understand if there is indeed a circle in having time already involved in metaphysical investigations. This will be sorted out by distinguishing between two senses of temporality. Knowing that for Aristotle actuality is a metaphysical foundation and that the now makes the continuity of time possible, the present article suggests the possibility of identifying beyond the actual now the very actuality of the now, the latter being the presupposed temporality in the principle of non-contradiction presented in Metaphysics.