Alexander of Aphrodisias on Common Sense

Abstract

Aristotle introduced the notion of common sense (sensus communis), a higher-order perceptual capacity that unifies and monitors the special senses. The primary aim of this paper is to present the understanding of common sense – and its functions – of Aristotle’s most distinguished ancient commentator, Alexander of Aphrodisias. In doing so, I will keep an eye on Alexander’s agreement or departure from Aristotle and indicate his contributions to the subject matter. The secondary aim of this paper is to discuss one particular point of departure that came to dominate the subsequent reception of Aristotle’s notion of common sense, an analogy of which is common sense as being the centre of a circle at which different radii meet.