The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast Ep. 338: Aristotle on Potential vs. Actual and the Unmoved Mover (Part One)
Mar 25, 2024
Delving into Aristotle's metaphysics, the podcast explores the contrast between potentiality and actuality, discusses the existence of God, and compares Aristotle's dynamic process philosophy with Plato's static forms. It emphasizes understanding potency in various contexts, examining how entities manifest qualities through potency, and exploring examples like water transforming into different states and the growth of an acorn into an oak tree.
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Aristotle's Process Philosophy
- Aristotle's concept of "being-at-work" (actuality) contrasts with Plato's static forms.
- Actuality, as a process of becoming, is central to Aristotle's philosophy.
Potency and Modern Science
- Aristotle's concept of potency, while seemingly generic, is a framework for understanding change.
- Modern science, with concepts like potential energy, builds upon this idea.
Potency of the Eye
- An eye's potency for seeing lies in its structure and potential for activity.
- The eye's form is defined by its function, being 'foreseeing'.