Contiguity, continuity, and continuous change Alexander of Aphrodisias on Aristotle

This study brings to light Alexander of Aphrodisias’ modification of the notion of continuity found in Aristotle’s Physics V.3. It shows that Alexander’s interpretation of the definitions of contact and contiguity is based on his assumption that continuity is equivalent to unity and therefore he interprets Physics V.3 in terms of a strong notion of continuity which holds for continuous wholes whose motion is one. It shows further that this sense is incompatible with Aristotle’s account of continuous motion but useful for explaining the beginning of change. Its possible atomistic implications are avoided because the efficacy of the cause of change, which varies from case to case, determines the actual divisions of a continuum.