a) Explain Aristotle's understanding of the Four Causes. (25)
Aristotle took an empirical approach when considering the explanation of the universe, as unlike Plato, he believed that knowledge rests on careful observation. Aristotle observed that the world is in a constant state of flux, with things moving from a state of potentiality to actuality. In his book Metaphysics, he used the example of 'whiteness', as anything which is not white has the potential to become 'actually white'. This led Aristotle to believe not only in the Principle of Causation, but also that there were different stages to causation, which he called the Four Causes. These causes are, according to Aristotle, necessary to explain the existence of all objects within the world.
The first cause, known as the Material Cause, explains what the object is made from. Using the example of a table, wood would be its material cause.
The second cause is the Formal Cause, which refers to the object's characteristics. Aristotle refers to this as the 'form' of the object, which is immanent and unrelated to Plato's ideas of 'the forms'. The shape of the object makes it what it is, however it is clear that objects cannot simply be made from its materials into its shape - in order for wood to take the form of a table, there must be a tablemaker.
Therefore Aristotle devised the third cause, known as the Efficient Cause, which refers to what brings the object about. Aristotle used the example of a marble statue, and the efficient cause would be the chisel, hammer and sculptor, causing the marble to move from a state of potentiality to actuality.
Lastly, Aristotle stated that all things have a Final Cause, referring to its purpose, or 'telos'. Aristotle believed that all things have a natural purpose which we must aim to fulfil, for example in Metaphysics he stated that the purpose of walking is 'that one may be healthy'.
While Aristotle did not believe in a theistic God, he put forward the concept of the 'Prime Mover'. This referred to a supreme and perfect being, that is the efficient and final cause of the universe. As the Prime Mover is responsible for things moving from a state of potentiality to actuality, it itself is in a state of 'pure actuality', and incapable of change.
Mark: 21/25
I thought the efficient cause was the second and the formal was the third. Is that where marks were missed? I would also add to the material cause that materials are in a constant state of potentiality and they therefore represent the impermanence of our world. I really hope this question comes up in the exam tomorrow along with cosmological or teleological, with Hume's criticisms as either part a or b.
ReplyDeleteYes you're right actually, for some reason my textbook has the efficient and formal causes the other way around. But no that's not where marks were lost, my teacher just said it's almost impossible to score full marks on an aristotle essay so he was being a harsh marker for this one I think! Aha yes would definitely like a cosmo/teleo question! Good luck for tomorrow!
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