Along with Plato and Socrates, Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) is one of the triumvirate of philosophers responsible for the establishment of Western philosophy as it exists today. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were among the first to refine philosophical thought, and Socrates is credited with devising the Socratic Method as a way to argue and debate points rationally. The Ancient Greek philosophers further stressed the importance of virtue and stoicism, advocating the improvement of ones self through constant learning and knowledge. These teachings and practices formed the foundation for philosophy and psychology as fields of study. In The History of Animals, Aristotle wrote what can be considered an ancient form of zoology, discussing the natural history of other creatures. It's a massive tome that helped serve as a base of knowledge for animals in the West moving forward. This edition of Aristotles The History of Animals is specially formatted with a Table of Contents and is illustrated with pictures of the famous philosopher.