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Single Idea 12045

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

Full Idea

The four so-called 'causes' are the different types of item which figure in what Aristotle thinks are the four fundamental types of explanation of nature.

Gist of Idea

Aristotle's four 'causes' are four items which figure in basic explanations of nature

Source

report of Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE]) by Julia Annas - Ancient Philosophy: very short introduction Ch.5

Book Reference

Annas,Julia: 'Ancient Philosophy: a very short introduction' [OUP 2000], p.85


A Reaction

This interpretation now seems to be standard among modern scholars. The word 'aitia' translates as 'explanation', but it is important to remember that it also translates as 'cause'. Aristotelian explanations are essentially causal.