Lesson 2.4: Make Your Self (Pt. I)

Glossary

Philosophical Concepts

Naturalism – The idea that everything in the world operates according to natural causes rather than supernatural forces. Aristotle believed that things have an inner source of change and act according to their nature.

Normative Naturalism – A view that nature provides guidance on how things should be. Aristotle saw the city-state as a natural human association and argued that humans have a natural function to perform.

Empiricism – A philosophical method that emphasizes observation and experience over abstract reasoning. Aristotle insisted that theories must fit the evidence, rather than forcing observations to match preconceived ideas.

Teleology – The study of purpose in nature. Aristotle explained things in terms of what they are for rather than just what causes them. Example: A lion’s claws exist for hunting, not just because of genetics.

Hylomorphism – Aristotle’s theory that matter and form are always united. Unlike Plato, Aristotle believed form cannot exist separately from matter.

Eudaimonia – A Greek term meaning flourishing, thriving, or deep happiness. Aristotle saw eudaimonia as the highest goal of human life, achieved by living virtuously and using reason well.

Virtue (Arete) – Excellence of character and action. Aristotle argued that virtues must be practiced repeatedly until they become habits.

Practical Wisdom (Phronesis) – The ability to reason well about social and ethical matters. Aristotle believed eudaimonia requires developing good judgment in real-life situations.

Final Good – The ultimate goal of life. It must be (1) pursued for its own sake and (2) self-sufficient (not dependent on others, like wealth or honor). Aristotle believed eudaimonia was the final good.

External Goods – Wealth, beauty, and social status. Unlike Socrates and the Stoics, Aristotle believed these matter for happiness but are not enough on their own.

Telos – The end goal or purpose of something. Aristotle argued that humans have a natural telos, which is to use reason well and live virtuously.

People & Schools

Aristotle – Greek philosopher (384–322 BCE). A student of Plato, tutor to Alexander the Great, and founder of the Lyceum. Considered the father of empiricism and logic.

Plato – Aristotle’s teacher. While Plato emphasized ideal Forms, Aristotle focused on observing the real world and natural causes.

Democritus – A pre-Socratic philosopher who influenced Aristotle’s naturalism and empirical approach.

Anaxagoras – A philosopher who influenced Aristotle’s concept of an organizing principle (Nous/Mind) in the cosmos.

The Lyceum – Aristotle’s school in Athens, known for its rigorous scientific and philosophical studies.

Key Theories & Related Ideas

Four Causes – Aristotle’s system for explaining why things are the way they are:

• Material Cause – What something is made of (e.g., wood for a chair).

• Efficient Cause – What brings it into being (e.g., a carpenter building the chair).

• Formal Cause – Its design or structure (e.g., the blueprint of the chair).

• Final Cause – Its purpose (e.g., to be sat on).

Aristotelian Physics – A system that explains nature through inherent tendencies rather than external forces:

• Objects move toward their natural place (e.g., fire rises, rocks fall).

• The Earth is at the center of the universe, surrounded by planets made of ether.

Prime Mover – Aristotle’s concept of an eternal, unchanging being that sustains the movement of the universe. Unlike the Judeo-Christian God, Aristotle’s Prime Mover does not care about humans.

Humans as Political Animals – Aristotle argued that humans naturally form communities and achieve eudaimonia only within a well-structured society.

Types of Government – Aristotle classified governments into six types, based on whether they serve the common good or personal interests.

Aristotelian Logic – Aristotle was the first to systematically study logical validity, laying the foundations of formal logic.

Words You Might Not Know

Autonomy – The ability to govern oneself without external control. Aristotle saw reason as the key to autonomy.

Mechanistic Explanation – The idea that everything happens due to physical laws rather than purpose. Aristotle rejected this in favor of teleology.

Empirical Evidence – Information gathered through observation and experience, as opposed to pure reason or intuition.

Asceticism – A lifestyle of self-denial and simplicity. Aristotle did not endorse asceticism but believed self-discipline was essential for a good life.

Pragmatism – A focus on practical consequences rather than abstract theories. Aristotle was pragmatic in ethics, emphasizing real-world application.