According to a distinction that originates with Aristotle himself, his writings are divisible into two groups: the “exoteric” and the “esoteric”. Most scholars have understood this as a distinction between works Aristotle intended for the public (exoteric), and the more technical works intended for use within the Lyceum course / school (esoteric). Modern scholars commonly assume these latter to be Aristotle’s own (unpolished) lecture notes (or in some cases possible notes by his students). … Another common assumption is that none of the exoteric works is extant – that all of Aristotle’s extant writings are of the esoteric kind.
Zubon comments on Open Thread, Jun. 22 - Jun. 28, 2015