Aristotle, a towering figure in Western philosophy, was born in 384 BCE in Stagira, a small town in northern Greece. His full name is Aristotle of Stagira. He was a polymath, engaging in a wide array of subjects, including philosophy, science, politics, and ethics. He passed away in 322 BCE in Euboea, Greece. His death marked the end of a profound intellectual legacy that has influenced countless generations.

Aristotle's early life was shaped by his upbringing in a family with connections to the Macedonian court. His father, Nicomachus, was a physician to King Amyntas III, which likely exposed him to the significance of scientific inquiry from a young age. At the age of 17, Aristotle moved to Athens to study at Plato's Academy, where he remained for about 20 years. This experience laid the groundwork for his philosophical ideas, although he would later diverge from Plato’s theories.

Aristotle's literary career began after he left the Academy. He became the tutor to Alexander the Great, which allowed him to blend his philosophical teachings with practical governance. Following this, he established his own school, the Lyceum in Athens, where he conducted extensive research and wrote many of his notable works. Some of these include "Nicomachean Ethics," "Politics," "Metaphysics," and "Poetics." His writings cover a range of topics, including logic, natural sciences, ethics, and aesthetics, and they have been foundational in various disciplines.

In his personal life, Aristotle married Pythias, with whom he had a daughter, and later had a close relationship with Herpyllis, with whom he had a son. Despite the personal and academic challenges he faced, his contributions to philosophy and science were immense, laying the groundwork for many fields of study. Aristotle's influence continues to resonate in contemporary thought, making him one of the most significant figures in intellectual history.