Single Idea 16968

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / a. Types of explanation]

Full Idea

There are causes [aition] and there are as many of them as we have been saying, since there are just as many different kinds of question covered by the question 'Why?'.

Gist of Idea

There are as many causes/explanations as there are different types of why-question

Source

Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE], 198a16)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Physics', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1996], p.48


A Reaction

He goes on to split the questions into 'what is it?' and 'what initiated the change?'. This, along with Idea 16969, is Exhibit A for saying Aristotle has the Four Explanations, not the Four Causes (which are so famous).

Related Idea

Idea 16969 Science refers the question Why? to four causes/explanations: matter, form, source, purpose [Aristotle]