Aristotele’s usage of ›Principle of Motion‹ and the two Definitions of Nature in PHYSICS II,1

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Zurück zum Heft: Archiv für Begriffsgeschichte. Band 52
DOI: 10.28937/9783787336722_1

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Abstract
Inhalt

It has been discussed whether in his two definitions of nature in Physics II, Aristotle means a mover, a passive principle or both kinds of principles. I argue that he means a mover. I discuss several occurrences of the expression archê kinêseôs (›principle of motion‹) in particular in Aristotle’s Metaphysics IX and Physics (especially 255 b 29–31). Aristotle means most often a mover, sometimes »the time/site of the beginning of the motion« and never a passive principle. Finally, I briefly discuss the status and function of the two definitions of nature within the context of Physics II and the entire Physics.