Form of the Good V Prime Mover (PM)
Overview Thesis
PM is a concept rooted in a scientific approach but is not wholly empirically based
due to the teleological nature of the Final Cause of the universe. FOTG is less
epistemologically accessible. FOTG provides certainty of thinking but lacks an appeal
to sensory experience that cannot be totally discounted.
FOTG PM
Basic Concept Basic Concept
Purpose – 1. Attempts to provide a Purpose – 1. Attempts to provide a
metaphysical entity using first principles metaphysical entity using first principles
to provide an explanation for our to provide an explanation for our
physical reality as the source of physical reality as the source of
intelligibility and giving identity to the intelligibility and giving identity to the
things we experience things we experience
2.To explain the nature/supreme truth of 2.To explain the nature of reality beyond
reality beyond our ever day perceptions. our perceptions.
3. The FOTG was never clearly defined
by Plato. It seems to depend on his
rationalist approach and theory of
Forms.
4. An understanding of the FOTG is
gained through a priori reasoning and
that it is independent of sense
experience.
What Does it do? What Does it do?
Hierarchy of Forms exists in the World PM – the “unmoved mover” – is the
of forms – Forms are concepts or ideas “kinetic agent” as the origin of causation
– an internal idea of what a thing is. in a universe of contingencies.PM is the
ultimate cause of motion so it has a
necessary existence.
Characteristics Characteristics
FOTG is top of the hierarchy (order of The PM as specific traits as being 1. A
value) and gives value to the other Perfect actuality with no potentiality to
forms. FOTG is represented by the sun be anything else: it is perfect and
in Plato’s analogy of the Cave. It allows complete 2. Immaterial – not made of
us to know the WOF. Anyone who matter 3. Eternal and unchanging as it is
understand the FOTG becomes a perfect already change would make it
morally perfect person. It makes it less so. 3. “Thinking about thinking” Its
impossible for you to do wrong, so a role is contemplative as it can only think
philosopher with this understanding about itself/perfect contemplation. It is
should be called a “philosopher king” unaware of the physical world or
Justice, Beauty Honesty and wisdom individual human affairs. Its role is to act
honesty and courage are all part of the as a magnet or attraction to achieve the
FOTG purpose or telos of individuals and the
universe – human flourishing.
(Metaphysics 1072b)
FOTG transcends the physical world
providing a higher standard of morality
and knowledge (Republic 509b) This is
dualistic.
Below the FOTG are higher forms like
justice beauty and equality. Below this
are perfect mathematical forms. Below
this are forms we see in everyday life
1
, and experience such as the forms of
cats or tables.
Questions – How can humans access a transcendent form? and why should a
metaphysical “Good” guide behaviour? Aristotle’ approach offers a more
consistent framework by linking motion and causation in the observable world.
Evaluation – The FOTG is detached from the material world rendering it speculative
and detached from practical application. Aristotle’s immanent approach links
metaphysics to observable reality making it a more credible approach. The FOTG
relies on the use of Philosopher Kings to rule a just society and may be elitist.
Nature of the FOTG Nature of PM
The FOTG is not a being in a personal The PM is not the creator of God in the
sense but is a supreme abstract ideal conventional Abrahamic sense. Aristotle
existing in a transcendent WOF separate believed that the universe was eternal so
from the physical world or World of did not need to be created. The PM is the
Appearances. It is beyond being in reason for continued motion. The PM is
power and dignity. FOTG transcends the simply the sustainer of motion and
physical world change.PM causes change not in a direct
sense such as pushing a ball but by
being the ultimate object of desire or
aspiration.
There is no ultimate source of motion. It
is like a never-ending line of dominoes
where no one pushes the first one –
nothing would ever fall. :PM is the first
ultimate mover that is not moved by
anything else. Hence it avoids infinite
regress of movers. PM causes motion
but is not moved itself. Link to
potentiality v actuality and the 4 causes,
especially the final clause.
Philosophical Reasoning & Evaluation Philosophical Reasoning & Evaluation
A priori reasoning A Posterori –
1. Ideas true by definition, tautologies, 1. Knowledge derived through our
2. Knowledge independent of sense senses
experience. 2 Empirical knowledge gained by
3. Rationalist -Knowledge gained by experience
reason 3.Inductive arguments (only probabilities
4. Deductive arguments and general conclusions.
5. A priori synthetic knowledge: truth 4. Our main means of gaining
without experiencing it. knowledge.
6. Always reliable and certain 5. Can be tested and proven – capable of
FOTG is too abstract. Counter -: Plato’s verification/falsification.
FOTG is accessed through reason and The PM benefits from observation of the
intellect as in the Cave Allegory change and motion in the natural world
(Republic 514a) It offers a higher and empirical evidence of cause and
epistemological standard focussing on effect. It is more dependable than Plato’s
eternal truths like mathematical reliance on innate knowledge and
knowledge rather than on transient recollection.
sensory. The FOTG secures objective Aristotle sees the Forms as “empty
moral standards and accounts for why words and poetic metaphors” This is a
rational beings strive for virtue. forceful rejection. PM has greater
philosophical credibility built on
teleological reasoning that influenced
medieval theology that required
significant amendment for the unmoved
mover by Aquinas to become a creator
2
Overview Thesis
PM is a concept rooted in a scientific approach but is not wholly empirically based
due to the teleological nature of the Final Cause of the universe. FOTG is less
epistemologically accessible. FOTG provides certainty of thinking but lacks an appeal
to sensory experience that cannot be totally discounted.
FOTG PM
Basic Concept Basic Concept
Purpose – 1. Attempts to provide a Purpose – 1. Attempts to provide a
metaphysical entity using first principles metaphysical entity using first principles
to provide an explanation for our to provide an explanation for our
physical reality as the source of physical reality as the source of
intelligibility and giving identity to the intelligibility and giving identity to the
things we experience things we experience
2.To explain the nature/supreme truth of 2.To explain the nature of reality beyond
reality beyond our ever day perceptions. our perceptions.
3. The FOTG was never clearly defined
by Plato. It seems to depend on his
rationalist approach and theory of
Forms.
4. An understanding of the FOTG is
gained through a priori reasoning and
that it is independent of sense
experience.
What Does it do? What Does it do?
Hierarchy of Forms exists in the World PM – the “unmoved mover” – is the
of forms – Forms are concepts or ideas “kinetic agent” as the origin of causation
– an internal idea of what a thing is. in a universe of contingencies.PM is the
ultimate cause of motion so it has a
necessary existence.
Characteristics Characteristics
FOTG is top of the hierarchy (order of The PM as specific traits as being 1. A
value) and gives value to the other Perfect actuality with no potentiality to
forms. FOTG is represented by the sun be anything else: it is perfect and
in Plato’s analogy of the Cave. It allows complete 2. Immaterial – not made of
us to know the WOF. Anyone who matter 3. Eternal and unchanging as it is
understand the FOTG becomes a perfect already change would make it
morally perfect person. It makes it less so. 3. “Thinking about thinking” Its
impossible for you to do wrong, so a role is contemplative as it can only think
philosopher with this understanding about itself/perfect contemplation. It is
should be called a “philosopher king” unaware of the physical world or
Justice, Beauty Honesty and wisdom individual human affairs. Its role is to act
honesty and courage are all part of the as a magnet or attraction to achieve the
FOTG purpose or telos of individuals and the
universe – human flourishing.
(Metaphysics 1072b)
FOTG transcends the physical world
providing a higher standard of morality
and knowledge (Republic 509b) This is
dualistic.
Below the FOTG are higher forms like
justice beauty and equality. Below this
are perfect mathematical forms. Below
this are forms we see in everyday life
1
, and experience such as the forms of
cats or tables.
Questions – How can humans access a transcendent form? and why should a
metaphysical “Good” guide behaviour? Aristotle’ approach offers a more
consistent framework by linking motion and causation in the observable world.
Evaluation – The FOTG is detached from the material world rendering it speculative
and detached from practical application. Aristotle’s immanent approach links
metaphysics to observable reality making it a more credible approach. The FOTG
relies on the use of Philosopher Kings to rule a just society and may be elitist.
Nature of the FOTG Nature of PM
The FOTG is not a being in a personal The PM is not the creator of God in the
sense but is a supreme abstract ideal conventional Abrahamic sense. Aristotle
existing in a transcendent WOF separate believed that the universe was eternal so
from the physical world or World of did not need to be created. The PM is the
Appearances. It is beyond being in reason for continued motion. The PM is
power and dignity. FOTG transcends the simply the sustainer of motion and
physical world change.PM causes change not in a direct
sense such as pushing a ball but by
being the ultimate object of desire or
aspiration.
There is no ultimate source of motion. It
is like a never-ending line of dominoes
where no one pushes the first one –
nothing would ever fall. :PM is the first
ultimate mover that is not moved by
anything else. Hence it avoids infinite
regress of movers. PM causes motion
but is not moved itself. Link to
potentiality v actuality and the 4 causes,
especially the final clause.
Philosophical Reasoning & Evaluation Philosophical Reasoning & Evaluation
A priori reasoning A Posterori –
1. Ideas true by definition, tautologies, 1. Knowledge derived through our
2. Knowledge independent of sense senses
experience. 2 Empirical knowledge gained by
3. Rationalist -Knowledge gained by experience
reason 3.Inductive arguments (only probabilities
4. Deductive arguments and general conclusions.
5. A priori synthetic knowledge: truth 4. Our main means of gaining
without experiencing it. knowledge.
6. Always reliable and certain 5. Can be tested and proven – capable of
FOTG is too abstract. Counter -: Plato’s verification/falsification.
FOTG is accessed through reason and The PM benefits from observation of the
intellect as in the Cave Allegory change and motion in the natural world
(Republic 514a) It offers a higher and empirical evidence of cause and
epistemological standard focussing on effect. It is more dependable than Plato’s
eternal truths like mathematical reliance on innate knowledge and
knowledge rather than on transient recollection.
sensory. The FOTG secures objective Aristotle sees the Forms as “empty
moral standards and accounts for why words and poetic metaphors” This is a
rational beings strive for virtue. forceful rejection. PM has greater
philosophical credibility built on
teleological reasoning that influenced
medieval theology that required
significant amendment for the unmoved
mover by Aquinas to become a creator
2
