Metaphysics
Metaphysics, as defined by Aristotle, is the science of being. He writes that there is both derivative and independent existence. An example that uses both is a brown dog. "Brownness" cannot exist by itself-- it depends on a material object for existence, and therefore its existence is derivative. A dog, however, can exist by itself, so it demonstrates independent existence. Aristotle calls these entities "substances."The Greek word can also be translated as "basic reality.") Aristotle goes further substances, but his explanations are very confusing and are still a subject of great dispute by scholars.
Aristotle also makes a distinction between matter and essence. For him, matter was just potential-- "stuff" that had no form in itself, but when defined made up everything in the universe. Essence is what gives matter reality, but is just and idea: it cannot exist on its own. Matter and essence must be combined for either to take shape.
Aristotle gives four causes of existence. They are: the material cause, which is the substance the object is made of; the efficient cause, which is the energy that changes the matter; the formal cause, which is the shape or form of the object; and the final cause, which is the ultimate intention behind its creation. The final cause, the force behind everything, would be God.
Aristotle's elements were water, earth, air, fire, and ether. According to his definitions, water was cold and wet, earth was cold and dry, air was hot and wet, and fire was hot and dry. According to him, all terrestrial things were made of combinations of the four main elements, while ether makes up all of the stars and other heavenly bodies.
Aristotle also makes a distinction between matter and essence. For him, matter was just potential-- "stuff" that had no form in itself, but when defined made up everything in the universe. Essence is what gives matter reality, but is just and idea: it cannot exist on its own. Matter and essence must be combined for either to take shape.
Aristotle gives four causes of existence. They are: the material cause, which is the substance the object is made of; the efficient cause, which is the energy that changes the matter; the formal cause, which is the shape or form of the object; and the final cause, which is the ultimate intention behind its creation. The final cause, the force behind everything, would be God.
Aristotle's elements were water, earth, air, fire, and ether. According to his definitions, water was cold and wet, earth was cold and dry, air was hot and wet, and fire was hot and dry. According to him, all terrestrial things were made of combinations of the four main elements, while ether makes up all of the stars and other heavenly bodies.
Video from DiscoveryEducation: found here.