Aristotle's Physics 2.1 Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Aristotles Physics 2.1 - Term Paper Exampley of four causes in Metaphysics with Platos philosophy of forms in order to illustrate the difference betwixt the philosophies of the two, showing the important evolutionary link between the ideals. Where the funda amiable rules and laws of Nature (Physics) operate through a logic and reason that is pre-determined in the metaphysical, we brook trace this concept in Western thought to the teachings of Aristotle, viewing their reflection in the scientific method and democratic system of government as foundational to our lives, realities, and understanding.The first question I will address is the conception of nature as a kind of cause in Physics 2.1 which can be illustrated in the following quote by Aristotle Some of the things-that-are are by nature (phusei), but others are due to other causes diallas aitias e.g. artifacts. In Aristotles philosophy, which forms the basis of classic humanism, there is a fundamental duality between Physics, the material world and the logic of its operation, and Metaphysics, what is beyond the material world and exists only in the mind- the world of ideas, concepts, and mental events- also containing a logic of operation. Aristotle treats these subjects in different works, so to focus on Physics without attending to his ideas in Metaphysics would not give us a complete view of his overall philosophy. The critical point here is to focus on how the terms are being translated from the ancient Greek, for in this case Aristotle is not introducing Nature as we understand it, meaning the vivid world, the environment, creation, etc. as a kind of cause, he is introducing a type of essence or inherent identity as cause through phusei. When we consider nature as cause in the sense it is posited by Aristotle, we should perhaps translate it as natural essence or original essence to come closer to the meaning the philosopher intended, which is also related to characteristic