Single Idea 16722

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 2. Types of cause]

Full Idea

There is a scholastic theory of causation. Of Aristotle's Four Causes, the main one is the 'formal' cause, and that consists of changes in the primary, elemental qualities, which are hot, cold, wet and dry.

Gist of Idea

Scholastic causation is by changes in the primary qualities of hot, cold, wet, dry

Source

Robert Pasnau (Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 [2011], 21.2)

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.468


A Reaction

[my summary] It is probably right to call this 'scholastic' rather than 'Aristotelian', as I take Aristotelian essence to run deeper than this, and involve principles as well as qualities.