PHIL 120 TEST 2 2️⃣ Aristotle: Substance, Hylomorphism, and the Four Causes

Substance Theory

Substances = real, independent things (Socrates, a tree).

Accidents = properties that depend on substances (color, size).

Substances hold their identity even as properties change.

All things are made of matter (potential) + form (actuality).

Example: A statue = bronze (matter) shaped into a human form (form).
Explains how change happens — the form changes but the matter remains.

The Four Causes

Material cause: what it’s made of (wood).

Formal cause: design or structure (shape of a table).

Efficient cause: maker or agent (carpenter).

Final cause: purpose or end (used for eating).
To truly explain something, we must know why it exists — its telos (goal)

Natural Teleology

This idea inspired Aquinas’ Argument from Design: nature’s order shows a Divine Designer.

Summary

Aristotle gave the framework for understanding why things exist and change.
His ideas on causes and purpose influenced Aquinas’ reasoning for God’s existence.