Explain Aristotle's Theory Of The Four Causes?

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a) Explain Aristotle’s theory of the Four Causes As an empiricist Aristotle saw it as his duty to formulate an explanation to a challenging question: why do ‘things’ exist as they do. Aristotle used his scientific observations of objects and events to conclude that everything is in a state of change from actuality to potentiality. In order to understand this change you must first recognise an object by looking at its cause. Anything can be defined with the use of the four causes as it explains a thing’s entirety. The causes gave Aristotle the chance to devise an answer concerning the nature of a thing enabling an understanding of it. Each of the four causes is used to explain a different aspect of an object, that when combined enable a precise definition of what an object is, to be made. Furthermore, the causes are explanatory factors used to explain not only the substance or how it is classified, but also what the thing’s purpose is. The most important part of the causes is the final cause as it harnesses a link between itself and the prime mover. However, without the other three an object would not be completely understood so they are also necessary. The Four Causes originate from Aristotle’s reaction to the rejection of Plato’s theory of the forms, which Aristotle saw as inconceivable and unreasonable. Unlike Plato, who discovered meaning in a different reality, Aristotle was much more intrigued by the world around him to provide evidence for his theory. With these four causes Aristotle believed that the concept of a thing could be completely grasped, enabling a comprehension of a thing to truly occur. The Material Cause – What is it made from? A simple question that provides the foundation for the other three causes. It identifies what particular matter a thing is composed of. The material cause identifies the substance of an object regardless of its

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