ARISTOTLE’S TELEOLOGY AND MODERN MECHANIC

by Christopher V. Mirus, B.A., M.A.

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Abstract by Christopher V. Mirus
This dissertation addresses teleology in the writings of Aristotle and in relation to modern mechanics. In chapters one through three, I argue that Aristotle’s teleology is theoretically grounded in the claim that both as an explanatory and as a causal factor, actuality is prior to potentiality. As actualities, there fore, both form and function are prior to the material and efficient causes that condition their occurrence in nature. In chapters four and five, I then consider the recent “systems” or “cybernetic” view of goal-directedness, along with some basic features of mechanical systems and laws more generally, in light of Aristotle’s teleology. I conclude that from an Aristotelian point of view there is no conflict between teleological and mechanical approaches …

CONTENTS
Introduction: Teleology, Nature, and Aristotle ………………………………………………….. 1
Chapter One: Teleology in Generation and Corruption and Meteorology……………… 20
Chapter Two: The Metaphysical Roots of Aristotleʹs Teleology……………………….. 82
Chapter Three: Teleology and Continuous Change ……………………………………….. 126
Chapter Four: Goal-directedness and Mechanical Systems ……………………………. 170
Chapter Five: Teleology and Laws …………………………………………………………………. 209
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 253
Appendix to Chapter One: Natural Substances in Metaphysics Ζ–Η………………. 258
Appendix to Chapter Four: Teleology and Backward Causation …………………… 271
References …………………………………………………………………………….