Single Idea 2809

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / a. Final purpose]

Full Idea

If nature makes nothing without some end in view, nothing to no purpose, it must be that nature has made plants and animals for the sake of man.

Gist of Idea

If nature makes everything for a purpose, then plants and animals must have been made for man

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1256b20)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Sinclair,T.A. /Saunders,T. [Penguin 1992], p.79


A Reaction

That was a rather fast move! If a tiger eats a man, how do we explain that? Why are some plants poisonous? Pebbles on a beach seem to have no purpose.