Single Idea 5114

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 1. Mechanics / a. Explaining movement]

Full Idea

Movement can arise within a motionless animal out of the object itself, rather than being due to some external agent. But why should this not also be true of the universe?

Gist of Idea

If movement can arise within an animal, why can't it also arise in the universe?

Source

Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE], 252b24)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Physics', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1996], p.190


A Reaction

A nice objection to the Unmoved Mover concept of God. Unfortunately it is ruined by the modern realisation that an animal is never 'motionless', because brain activity is continuous, and ceases only with death.