1991/12/01 by Malcolm Heath · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Art #Classical Antiquity Studies #Classical Philosophy and Thought #Epistemology #Linguistics #Literature #Philosophy #Physics #Poetics #Poetry #Statement (logic) #Tragedy (event) #Universality (dynamical systems)
paper · doi:10.1017/s0009838800004559
openalex publication_date 1991/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
In chapter 9 of the Poetics Aristotle states that poetry is concerned with the universal (τ καθλου 1451b6–15). In this paper I shall consider three questions arising out of this statement. First, what does it mean? Secondly, what constraints does it impose on the construction of (in particular) tragic plots ? I shall consider this question with special reference to the possible role of chance in tragedy. Thirdly, why is poetry concerned with the universal – that is, why is poetry such that these constraints are appropriate ?