Single Idea 5227

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / b. Limited purposes]

Full Idea

The nature of any given thing is determined by its end.

Gist of Idea

The nature of any given thing is determined by its end

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1115b23)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.129


A Reaction

A nice statement of the essence of the teleological view. A counterexample might be something which had a very unimpressive end, but was incidentally rather wonderful, like being a perfectionist about a menial task.