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Single Idea 16754

[from 'De Anima' by Aristotle, in 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 2. Psuche ]

Full Idea

The soul is the cause [aitia] of its body alike in three senses which we explicitly recognise. It is (a) the source or origin of movement, it is (b) the end, and it is (c) the essence of the whole living body.

Gist of Idea

The soul is the cause or source of movement, the essence of body, and its end

Source

Aristotle (De Anima [c.329 BCE], 415b09)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Basic Works of Aristotle', ed/tr. McKeon,Richard [Modern Library Classics 2001], p.561


A Reaction

'Aitia' also means explanation, so these are three ways to explain a human being, by what it does, why what it is for, and by what it intrinsically is. Activity, purpose and nature.