Explain Aristotle's Theory Of The Four Causes 25 Marks
a) Explain Aristotle’s theory of four causes (25 marks)
Aristotle’s interest in explaining why things exist as they do led to his theory of Four Causes. He rejected Plato’s theory of Forms and was more intrigued by the particular form in which an object took, as opposed to the ‘ideal, perfect’ form. The four causes are: the material cause, the formal cause, the efficient cause and the final cause.
The material cause refers to the physical cause of an object. It occurs because of the parts, substance or materials and the explanation of the cause derives from its parts. For instance, the material cause of a statue is bronze or silver. In order to create a bronze statue, bronze is required.
The formal cause refers to what gives the object its form or structure; its characteristics. For example, the statue cannot be labelled as a statue if it doesn’t have certain characteristics such as a head or shaped into a person. These characteristics explain the production of the statue.
The third cause according to Aristotle is the efficient cause. This cause explains why the thing exists; how it has become what it is. Aristotle said that the efficient cause is ‘the primary source of change’ as it explains something at the point at which change occurs. In the …show more content…
It explains the cause of something with the reason of why it was made. It is teleological as it is concerned with the purpose of a particular object. The final cause is the conceived end thing it must serve and fulfil. For instance, the final cause of the bronze statue it to reflect an important person or for a memorial purpose. Aristotle views that the determination of the final cause of a phenomenon is the most important and gives the best explanation of an object. When an object has fulfilled its purpose it has reached full perfection and effectively has achieved goodness. The purpose of an object is intrinsic and cannot be chosen by someone or forced upon an
Aristotle’s interest in explaining why things exist as they do led to his theory of Four Causes. He rejected Plato’s theory of Forms and was more intrigued by the particular form in which an object took, as opposed to the ‘ideal, perfect’ form. The four causes are: the material cause, the formal cause, the efficient cause and the final cause.
The material cause refers to the physical cause of an object. It occurs because of the parts, substance or materials and the explanation of the cause derives from its parts. For instance, the material cause of a statue is bronze or silver. In order to create a bronze statue, bronze is required.
The formal cause refers to what gives the object its form or structure; its characteristics. For example, the statue cannot be labelled as a statue if it doesn’t have certain characteristics such as a head or shaped into a person. These characteristics explain the production of the statue.
The third cause according to Aristotle is the efficient cause. This cause explains why the thing exists; how it has become what it is. Aristotle said that the efficient cause is ‘the primary source of change’ as it explains something at the point at which change occurs. In the …show more content…
It explains the cause of something with the reason of why it was made. It is teleological as it is concerned with the purpose of a particular object. The final cause is the conceived end thing it must serve and fulfil. For instance, the final cause of the bronze statue it to reflect an important person or for a memorial purpose. Aristotle views that the determination of the final cause of a phenomenon is the most important and gives the best explanation of an object. When an object has fulfilled its purpose it has reached full perfection and effectively has achieved goodness. The purpose of an object is intrinsic and cannot be chosen by someone or forced upon an