This volume investigates the foundational arguments of Aristotle's Metaphysics, specifically focusing on the opening books Alpha and alpha to determine the nature of first philosophy. Thomas Kjeller Johansen, a scholar of ancient philosophy, provides a rigorous translation and commentary that situates these texts within the broader Aristotelian corpus. The work examines how Aristotle establishes the study of being qua being and the pursuit of wisdom as the highest form of intellectual inquiry. By analyzing the dialectical structure of these books, the author clarifies the transition from pre-Socratic thought to the systematic metaphysics that defines Aristotle's project.

Scholars and students of classical philosophy frequently cite this volume as a standard resource for navigating the complexities of Aristotle's opening arguments. The text is noted for its academic density and precise analytical approach, making it a primary reference for those engaged in advanced study of the Metaphysics.