Single Idea 13110

[catalogued under 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 7. Chance]

Full Idea

A cause in its own right is prior to a coincidental cause. So spontaneity and chance are posterior to intelligence and nature. Hence however much spontaneity is the cause of the universe, intelligence and nature are more primary causes.

Gist of Idea

Intrinsic cause is prior to coincidence, so nature and intelligence are primary causes, chance secondary

Source

Aristotle (Physics [c.337 BCE], 198a10)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Physics', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1996], p.48


A Reaction

This seems to be Aristotle's final word on chance - that it is a genuine sort of causation, but only a secondary one. I take 'nature' to refer to the powers of essences. Aristotle does not accept meetings in the market as uncaused events.