Aristotles Concept of Teleology - 885 Words

Aristotles Concept of Teleology In his Physics, Aristotle examines the theories and ideas regarding nature of his predecessors and then, based upon his own ideas, theories and experiments, argues against what he believes are incorrect conclusions. One idea that Aristotle argues specifically is teleology. Teleology is the idea that natural phenomena are determined not only by mechanical causes but by an overall design or purpose in nature. In this essay, I will examine what Aristotles concept of teleology was and look at why he held this conception. First, lets talk about what we mean by teleology. Teleology is the study of ends, purposes, and goals. The word comes from the Greek word telos which means end or†¦show more content†¦Order and conformity to type infer purpose. Aristotle goes on in Book II to make his explanation of purpose in nature more clear by relating natural purpose to artistic creation. In any process of human creation, there is a definite end to be achieved. In order to achieve that end, the artistShow MoreRelatedAristotles Concept of Teleology Essay880 Words   |  4 Pages Aristotles Concept of Teleology In his Physics, Aristotle examines the theories and ideas regarding nature of his predecessors and then, based upon his own ideas, theories and experiments, argues against what he believes are incorrect conclusions. One idea that Aristotle argues specifically is teleology. Teleology is the idea that natural phenomena are determined not only by mechanical causes but by an overall design or purpose in nature. In this essay, I will examine what Aristotles conceptRead MorePlato s System Of Metaphysics1049 Words   |  5 PagesAdrian Farrales Introduction to Philosophy Metaphysics 11/6/14 Plato’s system of metaphysics revolves around the concept of Eidos, or forms. A form is the perfect and truest instance of a particular idea. In the world, we find particular instances of each form. For example, a certain pen is a particular instance of the form of pen. Every single pen in the world contributes to the form of pen. This contribution of particulars to the forms is called mathexis in Greek, or simplyRead More The Effects of Aristotelian Teleological Thought on Darwins Mechanistic Views of Evolution2384 Words   |  10 Pagespowerful biologists of all time. Aristotles teleological method was supported widely for over 2,000 years. One scientist remarks that the Aristotelian teleology quot;has been the ghost, the unexplained mystery which has haunted biology through its whole historyquot; (Ayala, 10). If Aristotles approach has frightened biology, then Darwin, who actually nicknamed himself the quot;Devils Chaplain,quot; and his idea of natural selection has virtually dissected Aristotles ghost. While Aristotle explainedRead MoreEssay on Aristotles State Theory1930 Words   |  8 PagesAristotle’s claim that the state is the highest, most developed form of social organisation is at the centre of one of his major works, ‘The Politics’ . His theory focuses mainly on the state as a natural progression, and draws upon two central themes; ‘the good life’ and human beings as ‘political animals’ . Whilst Aristotle does raise many valid points, he does not convince us that the state is the pinnacle of social organisation. Although the state may be the highest form of social organisationRead More Aristotles Concept of Happiness Essay1073 Words   |  5 PagesIn the work, Nicomachean Ethics, the philosopher Aristotle creates a guideline for those who are serious about pursuing happiness. Aristotles recommendations for finding happiness are not accepted today without some struggle and careful examination. In Aristotles t ime, slaves, women and children were not truly considered human; so in many cases the philosopher is directing his words towards free males only. It is necessary to understand that by overlooking this discrimination and applying it toRead MoreDistinctions and Comparisons between Aristotle and Plato Essay1681 Words   |  7 Pagesby Aristotle. Both philosophers can be viewed as having opposing ideologies. Nonetheless, Plato and Aristotle are in agreement on certain factors of their philosophy. Many have scrutinized and compared the dissimilarities and similarities of Aristotles doctrine of categories and Platos theory of forms. The observations found are of an interesting nature. The beauty behind the writings of Plato is to not accept what is interpreted through the senses. In Platos theory of forms, Plato explainedRead MoreThe World Of Politics And Political Theory1717 Words   |  7 Pagesand policies of a government or it can be defined as getting and keeping power in a government. In the classics of moral and political theory, the book Classics of Moral and Political Theory suggests that there is a broad understanding of what the concept of politics is. The textbook speaks on how politics could refer to the foreign exchange of policies in banks or the educational policy in a town or village community. Likewise in some cases it could also mean the â€Å"political maneuverings of a shrewdRead MoreVirtue Ethics Theory Essay1459 Words   |  6 PagesVirtues: human reason and rationality. (calmness, contemplation, reflection, wisdom, and knowledge) * Understanding virtue was necessary but insufficient; attaining a virtue required knowing AND doing. 7. Explain the meaning of Aristotle’s concept of teleology. * Observing in nature the purpose of everything; a thing that fulfills its purpose is good. 8. According to Aristotle, what is the purpose of any specific thing based on? * The purpose of any specific thing is based onRead MorePlato s Interpretation Of Utopia1630 Words   |  7 Pagesdepending on the rational capacities of their citizens. Plato and Aristotle by Carlos Cortiglia 5 Aristotle begins the Politics by invoking the concept of nature. In the Physics Aristotle identifies the nature of a thing above all with its end or final cause (Physiscs II.2.194a28–9, 8.199b15–18). The end of a thing is also its function (Eudemian Ethics II.1.1219a8), which is its defining principleRead MoreEssay on Galenic Medicine4299 Words   |  18 Pagesconcluding that Aristotelian philosophies underpinned the majority of Galenic theories and concepts. To achieve this I will primarily demonstrate the perceived link between medicine and natural philosophy that existed at the time. I will continue with a description of the Aristotelian Form, Matter and Substance theories, which formed the basis for the Aristotelian world view. After considering the concepts that formed the Aristotelian philosophy, form, matter and substance, I will take a closer look