The Logos Podcast Aristotle: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly with Fr. Dcn. Dr. Ananias
Mar 4, 2023
Fr. Dcn. Dr. Ananias, an Orthodox priest and scholar specializing in Aristotelian philosophy, delves into the complexities of Aristotle's thoughts. He discusses why Aristotle remains relevant today, explaining his views on change, substance, and form. They analyze the contrast between Aristotle and Plato, and explore topics like teleology and the unmoved mover. Dr. Ananias also connects Aristotelian concepts to Christian theology, addressing challenges related to personhood and metaphysics. The conversation underscores the importance of philosophy in the faith journey.
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Forms As Immanent Principles
- Aristotle rooted change in potency and actuality rather than in transcendent forms.
- He locates forms within particulars as the principle that shapes matter, rejecting Plato's separate realm of Forms.
Teleology Central To Nature
- Aristotle's four causes (material, formal, efficient, final) make teleology central to explaining nature.
- Final causes show nature acts for ends, so change is goal-directed actualization of potential.
Question 'Chance' Before Accepting Randomness
- Analyze how words like "chance" are used before accepting theories of pure randomness.
- Use Aristotle's method of clarifying meanings to critique blind-evolution or purely random explanations.
