Aristotle had interpreted atmospheric phenomena in his Meteorologica, written about 340.

Around 335, Aristotle defends poetry against Plato's criticisms in his fundamental text of literary criticism, the Poetics, in which he describes all arts as imitations (mimesis) of human actions, distinguishing between tragedy—an imitation of noble events—and comedy, which portrays a lower order of actions.

Following a discussion of the methods and effects of imitation, Aristotle offers a classic definition of tragic form, alluding to the effect of tragedy as “purgation".

He also rejects the notion that poetry should be judged by the morality of what it portrays.

Aristotle pays no attention to the producer, only the product.

Rejecting Plato’s idealism, Aristotle champions the empirical examination of natural and social phenomena.

Good, according to his doctrine, consists of individuals attaining the state suited to their natures.

Aristotle draws from earlier Greek thinkers to propound a theory of the four elements: fire, earth, air and water.