First philosophy Unmoved mover

1 first philosophy

1.1 celestial spheres
1.2 final cause , efficient cause
1.3 aristotle s theology
1.4 first cause

first philosophy

aristotle argues, in book 8 of physics , book 12 of metaphysics, there must immortal, unchanging being, responsible wholeness , orderliness in sensible world .

in physics (viii 4–6) aristotle finds surprising difficulties explaining commonplace change, , in support of approach of explanation 4 causes, required fair bit of technical machinery . machinery includes potentiality , actuality, hylomorphism, theory of categories, , audacious , intriguing argument, bare existence of change requires postulation of first cause, unmoved mover necessary existence underpins ceaseless activity of world of motion . aristotle s first philosophy , or metaphysics ( after physics ), develops peculiar theology of prime mover, πρῶτον κινοῦν ἀκίνητον: independent divine eternal unchanging immaterial substance.

celestial spheres

aristotle adopted geometrical model of eudoxus of cnidus, provide general explanation of apparent wandering of classical planets arising uniform circular motions of celestial spheres. while number of spheres in model subject change (47 or 55), aristotle s account of aether, , of potentiality , actuality, required individual unmoved mover each sphere.

final cause , efficient cause

simplicius argues first unmoved mover cause not in sense of being final cause—which in day, in ours, accept—but in sense of being efficient cause (1360. 24ff.), , master ammonius wrote whole book defending thesis (ibid. 1363. 8–10). simplicius s arguments include citations of plato s views in timaeus—evidence not relevant debate unless 1 happens believe in essential harmony of plato , aristotle—and inferences approving remarks aristotle makes role of nous in anaxagoras, require deal of reading between lines. point out rightly unmoved mover fits definition of efficient cause— whence first source of change or rest (phys. ii. 3, 194b29–30; simpl. 1361. 12ff.). examples aristotle adduces not suggest application first unmoved mover, , @ least possible aristotle originated fourfold distinction without reference such entity. real question whether, given definition of efficient cause, includes unmoved mover willy-nilly. 1 curious fact remains: aristotle never acknowledges alleged fact unmoved mover efficient cause (a problem of simplicius aware: 1363. 12–14)...

despite apparent function in celestial model, unmoved movers final cause, not efficient cause movement of spheres; solely constant inspiration, , if taken efficient cause precisely due being final cause, nature of explanation purely teleological.

aristotle s theology

the unmoved movers, if anywhere, said fill outer void, beyond sphere of fixed stars:

it clear there neither place, nor void, nor time, outside heaven. hence whatever there, of such nature not occupy place, nor time age it; nor there change in of things lie beyond outermost motion; continue through entire duration unalterable , unmodified, living best , self sufficient of lives… [the fulfilment of whole heaven] derive being , life other things, more or less articulately other feebly, enjoy.

the unmoved movers are, themselves, immaterial substance, (separate , individual beings), having neither parts nor magnitude. such, physically impossible them move material objects of size pushing, pulling or collision. because matter is, aristotle, substratum in potential change can actualized, , potentiality must actualized in being eternal must not still, because continuous activity essential forms of life. immaterial form of activity must intellectual in nature , cannot contingent upon sensory perception if remain uniform; therefore eternal substance must think of thinking , exist outside starry sphere, notion of place undefined aristotle. influence on lesser beings purely result of aspiration or desire , , each aetheric celestial sphere emulates 1 of unmoved movers, best can, uniform circular motion. first heaven, outmost sphere of fixed stars, moved desire emulate prime mover (first cause), in relation whom, subordinate movers suffer accidental dependency.

many of aristotle s contemporaries complained oblivious, powerless gods unsatisfactory. nonetheless, life aristotle enthusiastically endorsed 1 enviable , perfect, unembellished basis of theology. whole of nature depends on inspiration of eternal unmoved movers, aristotle concerned establish metaphysical necessity of perpetual motions of heavens. through seasonal action of sun upon terrestrial spheres, cycles of generation , corruption give rise natural motion efficient cause. intellect, nous, or whatever else thought rule , lead nature, , have cognizance of noble , divine highest activity, according aristotle (contemplation or speculative thinking, theōrētikē). sustainable, pleasant, self-sufficient activity; aimed @ own sake. (in contrast politics , warfare, not involve doing things d rather not do, rather @ our leisure.) aim not strictly human, achieve means live in accordance not mortal thoughts, immortal , divine within humans. according aristotle, contemplation type of happy activity not ridiculous imagine gods having. in aristotle s psychology , biology, intellect soul, (see eudaimonia).

first cause

in book viii of physics, aristotle examines notions of change or motion, , attempts show challenging argument, mere supposition of before , after , requires first principle. argues in beginning, if cosmos had come be, first motion lack antecedent state, , parmenides said, nothing comes nothing . cosmological argument, later attributed aristotle, thereby draws conclusion god exists. however, if cosmos had beginning, aristotle argued, require efficient first cause, notion aristotle took demonstrate critical flaw.

but wrong assumption suppose universally have adequate first principle in virtue of fact … democritus reduces causes explain nature fact things happened in past in same way happen now: not think fit seek first principle explain … let conclude have in support of our contention there never time when there not motion, , never time when there not motion. (physics viii, 2)

the purpose of aristotle s cosmological argument, @ least 1 eternal unmoved mover must exist, support everyday change.

of things exist, substances first. if substances can, things can perish... , yet, time , change cannot. now, continuous change of place, , continuous change of place circular motion. therefore, there must eternal circular motion , confirmed fixed stars moved eternal actual substance substance s purely actual.

in aristotle s estimation, explanation without temporal actuality , potentiality of infinite locomotive chain required eternal cosmos neither beginning nor end: unmoved eternal substance whom primum mobile turns diurnally , whereby terrestrial cycles driven: day , night, seasons of year, transformation of elements, , nature of plants , animals.