Single Idea 16969

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

Full Idea

If the natural scientist refers the question 'Why?' to this set of four causes [aition] - matter, form, source of change, purpose - he will be explaining things in the way a natural scientist should.

Gist of Idea

Science refers the question Why? to four causes/explanations: matter, form, source, purpose

Source

Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE], 198a23)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Physics', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1996], p.49


A Reaction

This is even more conclusive than Idea 16968 in showing that we have the Four Modes of Explanation, not the so-called Four Causes.

Related Idea

Idea 16968 There are as many causes/explanations as there are different types of why-question [Aristotle]