Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath in the 4th century BC. He was a student of Plato and later taught Alexander the Great. Aristotle wrote on many topics including physics, metaphysics, poetry, politics, logic, and biology. He established the Lyceum in Athens and conducted original empirical research. Aristotle created the first formal system of Western philosophy and logic, profoundly influencing not only ancient Greek but also medieval Islamic and Christian traditions.