Aristotle

key points

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  • Created by: Alex
  • Created on: 11-02-13 17:19
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  • Aristotle
    • Prime Mover
      • Beginning of the constant chain of effects
      • 100% actual, 0% potential
      • Moves but is itself unmoved
      • The ultimate cause of the universe but NOT its creator
      • Exists necessarily - does not rely on anything else
      • Thinks only of himself as he cannot change (actual)
      • Aristotle referred to him as God
    • Four Causes
      • MATERIAL: the material/matter it is made of i.e. canvas + paint
      • EFFICIENT: the agent that brings it about i.e. artist
      • FORMAL: the model or idea it conforms to - the pattern the artist followed
        • Not like Plato - he disagreed.
        • Forms are developed from our experiences through senses, not innately
        • e.g. we identify a horse with mane, legs, fur, etc
      • FINAL: the reason - its purpose. i.e. to please the eye
        • Link to Aquinas' Natural Law - purpose & morality
    • Stuff
      • The Universe is in a constant state of flux
      • Every reaction must have a chain of actions behind it
      • Movement depends on there being a mover
      • The universe is eternal (as well as the Prime Mover)
    • Actual/potential
      • Actual - it exists
      • Potential - potential to change
      • Things can be actual and potential
        • i.e. the painting exists, but the canvas can also be ripped and the frame used again
      • Only LIVING things have the potential to change of their own accord
      • Non-living things do have potential but less
      • Animals have less potential than people but more than inanimate objects
    • Plato's student
    • Liked to look at things scientifically
    • Greek philosopher

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