Aristotle

Aristotle

1. INFLUENCE OF PLATO

   • Aristotle rejected the theory of Forms.
   • Aristotle emphasised the importance of studying the physical world.
     • EMPIRICIST
       • Views/claims supported by observable evidence are meaningful
   • Aristotle rejected a dualist view.
     • Dualism = idea that the mind and body are two separate substances.
     • Monism = body and soul are interconnected.

2. CAUSES

   • MATERIAL
     • The matter from which something is made.
       • e.g. the statue was made of bronze.
   • EFFICIENT
     • The agent that brings something about.
       • e.g. the sculptor and the chisel.
   • FORMAL
     • The form of the object.
       • e.g. the shape or design the bronze is sculpted into.
   • FINAL
     • The goal or purpose that a thing moves towards.
       • e.g the purpose of the sculpture.
     • The final cause is TELEOLOGICAL.
       • Is concerned with the function of the object and why it's done.

3. PRIME MOVER

   • The unchanging cause of all that exists.
     • Causes motion and change, is eternal.
   • Aristotle reached the conclusion of a prime mover having observed 4 things.
     • The physical world is in a constant state of motion and change.
     • Planets seem to move eternally.
     • Change is always caused by something.
     • Objects are in a state of actuality and potentiality.
   • The prime mover is linked with God.
   • The prime mover exists by necessity.

4. PRIME MOVER PROBLEMS

   • The relationship between the prime mover and the universe is unclear.
   • There is the argument that what exists is down to the laws of science.