Ancient Philosophical influences (Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies): Flashcards

Something in its current state

The way things could become

The final end or goal

What something is made of (e.g. wood for chair)

The essence or defining character (e.g. chair's shape)

What brings it into existence (the maker)

The end goal or purpose (telos)

Pure actuality (no potentiality, cannot change)

Transcendent & unmoved; not material

By 'pulling' on things, not creating like traditional God

The formal cause of the body (the essence)

Existence precedes essence (no objective telos)

Part true ≠ whole true (organs have purpose ≠ universe has purpose)

Has no place in empirical science (purpose is divine matter)

Science tells us 'what' but not 'why' (can't answer purpose)