4 causes Ari

Question 1

Material Cause

Answer 1

What somethings made of.
Doesn’t explain anything.
Eg MC of a Rat is blood, bones etc.

Question 2

Formal Cause

Answer 2

Provides the shape and allows it to be identified as whatever it is.
Rat is recognised through its size, shape and features.

Question 3

Efficient Cause

Answer 3

The activity that makes something happen.
Eg EC of a desk is the carpenter.
EC brings about change in something.

Question 4

Final Cause

Answer 4

Somethings purpose, and reason for existence.
The FC of a desk is for writing.
FC of a mug is holding drinks.
Understood as ‘Telos’ - ‘a means to an end’