Page 94 - STOLEN LEGACY By George G. M. James

B (ii) The lack of uniformity between the lists of books points to doubtful authorship.

1. There are at least three lists of books. One list is said to be Aristotle's own classification of his
writings, and naturally it must be dated within the period of his own life time 384–322 B.C. In
this list Aristotle has told the world that he wrote texts on (a) Mathematics, Physics and
Theology, (b) Ethics, Economics and Politics and (c) Poetry, Art and Rhetoric.

Now, in order to write these texts one must have received his education and training in the
subjects on which they are written. We are told in the history of Greek philosophy, that Socrates
taught Plato and that Plato taught Aristotle. But there is no evidence that Socrates ever taught
mathematics or economics or politics.

Consequently, it was impossible for him to teach Plato these subjects, and also impossible for
Plato to teach Aristotle these subjects, under the Egyptian Mystery System which was graded,
and which required proof of efficiency before promotion.

We are therefore unable to accept the claim of Aristotle to have been the author of those books.

2. Two lists are derived from different sources and the two together differ widely in (a) number
(b) subject matter and (c) date.

The list of Hermippus the Alexandrine (200 B.C.) contains 400 books. The list compiled by
Ptolemus, between First and Second Centuries A.D. contains 1000 books. The very fact that
there is no uniformity in the lists points to a doubtful authorship. Also, if Aristotle in 200 B.C.
had only 400 books, by what miracle did they increase to 1000 in the Second Century A.D.? Or
was it forgery?

C. The discrepancies and doubts in his life.

(i) He wastes 20 years as a pupil under Plato:

It is said that he went to Plato at the age of 19 and spent 20 years with him as a pupil. But this is
doubtful and unreasonable. Doubtful because Plato is regarded as a philosopher, while Aristotle
as a scientist, who has been credited with all the scientific knowledge of the ancient world, and it
is impossible for a master to teach a pupil what he himself does not know.

It is also unreasonable to expect a man who has been credited with Aristotle's knowledge, to
waste 20 of the best years of his life, under a master who was incompetent to teach him. (B. D.
Alexander, Hist. of Phil., p. 92; Roger's Student History of Philosophy, p. 104).

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Stolen Legacy: Greek Philosophy is Stolen Egyptian Philosophy by George G. M. James
The Journal of Pan African Studies 2009 eBook