The scientist Aristotle (384-322 BCE) developed many important theories on which modern physics is based. One of these theories is Aristotle's theory of motion. Through his research, Aristotle attempted to provide explanations for how objects in our universe moved. Although many of his theories have since been proven to be inaccurate, they provided a basis for future theories that ultimately led to our current understanding of movement. To understand Aristotle's overall theory of motion, you must first understand his classification of matter. Aristotle believed that all matter was made up of one of five elements: earth, water, air, fire, and ether (Fowler). Each element had a place where it belonged, the most complex being the ether which was made up of the celestial bodies. Each of these elements had to be associated with an opposite composed of hot, cold, humid and dry. He then used these elements and their opposites to describe all things on Earth and in our known universe. Each element had a natural resting place, for example water had a natural resting place between earth and air. This logic was then used to justify how and why lakes and streams exist, water flows downward, but remains at the top of the earth. Another example is that wood is made mostly of air and therefore floats on water. Aristotle's theory of motion centers on this idea of ​​a natural resting place. He believed that all movement was centered on the object trying to reach its natural resting position. (Jones) Aristotle also used the principles of natural motion and violent motion to describe motion. Violent movement used to describe a movement in which an external force is used to move it (Fowler). A falling rock would be described as a natural movement because its ten... middle of paper ......force applied. (Jones) Using this rule, you would conclude that as soon as you stop pushing an object, it stops moving. We know this is false since momentum keeps the object moving. Aristotle's theories had a certain elegance, but on the whole they did not stand the test of time. His theories were important at the time, but they have many gaps when it comes to the facts we know to be true in today's world. His theories were an important stepping stone leading to other advances in physics such as Newton's laws of motion. Works Cited Fowler, Michael. “Aristotle”. Aristotle. University of Virginia, September 3, 2008. Web. March 22, 2014.Jones, Andrew Z. “Physics of the Greeks.” About.com Physics. About.com, and Web. March 22, 2014. Sachs, Joe. “Aristotle: movement and its place in nature.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Np, and Web. March 22. 2014.