This volume investigates the foundational aporiai, or philosophical difficulties, presented in Book Beta of Aristotle's Metaphysics to determine their role in the pursuit of wisdom. Editors André Laks and Michel Crubellier compile contributions from nine prominent scholars of ancient philosophy to provide a systematic, sequential analysis of the text. The work argues that these specific problems are not merely obstacles but are essential, structured points of engagement for any rigorous ontological inquiry.

Scholars and students of ancient philosophy frequently cite this work as a rigorous, high-level resource for navigating the complexities of Aristotelian dialectic. The text is noted for its academic density and is considered a specialized tool for those engaged in advanced philosophical research.