Aristotelian Philosophy

What are the four causes?

1. Material cause
2. Formal Cause
3. Efficient cause
4. Final cause

What is the material cause?

The substance of which the thing is made (eg a chair can be made out of wood)

What is the formal cause?

It’s design that shapes the formal concept. (Eg a carpenters drawings)

What is the efficient cause?

It’s maker/builder

What is the final cause?

It’s purpose or function.

What is the purpose of Aristotles four causes?

To find out why things are way they are in themselves.

What does Aristotle assume about nature?

It is purposive (has a goal and reason for being)

What does Aristotle use the final cause to argue?

That humans have purpose.

What is a good person according to Aristotle ?

Someone who fulfils their purpose

Why does Aristotle believe that the universe has a purpose- a final cause?

If every human has a purpose then the person as a whole must have purpose so the universe must also have a purpose

What is the final cause of the universe?

God

What type of god does Aristotle believe in?

A fully transcendent and evert lasting god.

What would Aristotles God spend eternity doing?

Contemplating his own wonderful being

What is “change” according to Aristotle ?

Moving from one state to another

What does Aristotle call his “God”

The Prime Mover

What does the prime mover do?

Creates movement and change by exercising a “pull” on things. - non consciously.

What does the Prime Mover move us towards?

Our actuality to potentiality

What are the criticisms of Aristotles beliefs?

1. Scientific objections

Why can Aristotles Efficient cause be challenged ?

The efficient cause brings about a change in something however Aristotle only tells that something has happened, not why or how it has happened Just because he has named it, it doesnt mean he has explained it.

Why can Aristotles notion of purpose be questioned?

“Purpose” is used to describe a mental intention, minds have a purpose but do inanimate things, we give inanimate things purpose and use. Having a purpose and being a purpose In itself is not the same thing.

Why can you use the fallacy of composition to undermine Aristotles argument?

Just because parts of the human body has purpose, it does not mean the person, itself has purpose

Why is it difficult to argue that the universe has purpose?

* A lot of things seem to have no purpose
* Evolution can be used to explain random change.- Aristotle finds purpose where it does not exist.

Why can Aristotles argument of the continuation of movement be criticised?

Assumes that there is one reason for motion why may not be the case.

Why does the Big Bang undermine Aristotles theology ?

Casts doubt onto what brought the world into motion. The universe is an ever-expanding universe which doesnt have a need for a god

Why is Aristotle opposed religiously ?

His PM has no qualities that a God should have and undermines all religions- there would be no point in praying or worshipping Aristoles God