4 causes Ari Flashcards
1
Q
Material Cause
A
What somethings made of.
Doesn’t explain anything.
Eg MC of a Rat is blood, bones etc.
2
Q
Formal Cause
A
Provides the shape and allows it to be identified as whatever it is.
Rat is recognised through its size, shape and features.
3
Q
Efficient Cause
A
The activity that makes something happen.
Eg EC of a desk is the carpenter.
EC brings about change in something.
4
Q
Final Cause
A
Somethings purpose, and reason for existence.
The FC of a desk is for writing.
FC of a mug is holding drinks.
Understood as ‘Telos’ - ‘a means to an end’
