Aristotle distinguishes between natural bodies, and artificial, such as tables and chairs. Both sorts of bodies have the ability to be moved. Animate bodies (natural bodies) move themselves, such as humans, but inanimate objects need force to move.

This movement of bodies occurs in time and place. Aristotle says that, "time is not sheer process" or movement or change, but rather its "numerable aspect." He defines time as "the number of precessions and successions in process." In order for time to be measured and counted, in Aristotle's eyes, there must be "a living or rational being to do the counting," but contends that if that being stops counting time, time will go on.

Aristotle does not agree with Plato in the fact that our bodies are separate from the physical world.