Single Idea 17262

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 1. Grounding / c. Grounding and explanation]

Full Idea

Aristotle's distinction between four different kinds of aitia ('becauses'?) arguably involves the recognition of grounding in the formal and material aitia.

Gist of Idea

Aristotle's formal and material 'becauses' [aitiai] arguably involve grounding

Source

report of Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE], 198a24) by Correia,F/Schnieder,B - Grounding: an opinionated introduction 2

Book Reference

'Metaphysical Grounding', ed/tr. Correia,F/Schnieder,B [CUP 2012], p.2


A Reaction

Insofar as the other two (efficient and final) involve explanation, one might say that they too involve a different sort of grounding. Is a statue 'grounded' in the sculptor, or in the purpose of the statue?

Related Idea

Idea 11250 Four Explanations: the essence and form; the matter; the source; and the end [Aristotle, by Politis]