What is the Human Person? (Topic 1)

Aristotle (and Aquinas) would argue that every human being has a limitless amount of potential, meaning that any human person could become anything they wanted to as long as they work hard enough at it.

• True Statement

• False Statement

Answer explanation

This relates to the concept of Aristotle's 4 Causes: In summary, Aristotle's Four Causes provide a framework for understanding the essence and existence of things in our world. The material cause refers to the substance an object is made of, the formal cause focuses on its structure and design, the efficient cause addresses the actions and processes involved in its creation, and the final cause explores the purpose or goal for which it exists. By considering these four causes, we can gain a deeper insight into the nature of the objects and phenomena around us.

The ​ (a)   of an acorn is to become an oak tree. Thus, an oak tree is an acorn ​ (b)  

• final cause
• actualized
• formal cause
• material cause
• efficient cause
• potentialized

Answer explanation

The video helps remind you about Aristotle's four causes--I'd recommend watching to review.

Aristotle (as well as Catholic theology) would argue that all human beings are driven by the desire for happiness--our decisions, actions, and motives fundamentally derive from our longing to be eternally happy.

• True Statement

• False Statement

Answer explanation

Aquinas took these ideas from Aristotle and essentially kept them in tact; however, he did focus on HEAVEN (eternal happiness) as the final cause instead of simply EUDAIMONIA.

Match the following description with the cause that is best reflected in the statement.

• Final Cause

• The basesball is made of cork, rubber, and yarn, which are physical substances that make up its core and outer layer.

• Formal Cause

• The baseball was manufactured in a factory by workers who assembled the materials and stitched the leaver cover together.

• Efficient Cause

• The baseball is spherical in shape and has specific dimensions and weight according to regulations set by baseball organizations.

• Material Cause

• The baseball is to be used in the sport of baseball as the main object for pitching, hitting, and fielding during games and practices.

Answer explanation

Again, I'd recommend watching this video if you forget the different causes.

Aristotle (and Aquinas) would argue that all human beings have the same individual essence.

• True Statement

• False Statement

Answer explanation

1. Universal vs. Individual Essence:

   • Aristotle made a distinction between the universal essence and the individual essence of objects. The universal essence is the shared characteristics or essential qualities that define a general category or class of objects. For example, the universal essence of a human would include characteristics common to all humans. The individual essence is what makes a particular object unique within a category. It includes the specific details and characteristics that distinguish one individual from another within the same class.

The purpose, goal, or end for which something exists.

• Material Cause

• Formal Cause

• Efficient Cause

• Final Cause

Answer explanation

Final Cause—the Telos

Lastly, we have the Final Cause. This cause refers to the purpose, goal, or end for which something exists or is done. It considers the reason or intention behind an object's creation or an action's execution. Going back to our table example, the final cause could be dining, studying, or any other activity for which the table is utilized. Aristotle believed that understanding the final cause helps us comprehend the inherent telos or purpose that directs the existence and function of an object.

The person, people, or force(s) that bring about the creation or transformation of an object.

• Material Cause

• Efficient Cause

• Formal Cause

• Final Cause

Answer explanation

Efficient Cause

Next, we have the Efficient Cause. This cause deals with the actions and processes that bring about the creation or transformation of an object. It focuses on the forces or agents responsible for initiating change or producing an effect. For instance, in the case of a table, the efficient cause would be the carpenter who works diligently to construct it, using their skills and labor to bring the table to life. Aristotle emphasized the importance of recognizing the efficient cause as it explains the actions and events that lead to the existence of something.

The structure, design, or pattern that make an object what it is

• Material Cause

• Formal Cause

• Efficient Cause

• Final Cause

Answer explanation

Formal Cause

The second cause is the Formal Cause. This cause represents the structure or design that gives an object its specific form and characteristics. It encompasses the shape, arrangement, and pattern that make an object what it is. If we take the example of a table again, its formal cause would be the blueprint or plan that outlines its design, including the length, width, and height, as well as the shape of the tabletop and legs. Aristotle argued that the formal cause is crucial to understanding how an object functions.

The physical components from which an object is created

• Material Cause

• Formal Cause

• Efficient Cause

• Final Cause

Answer explanation

Material Cause

The first cause identified by Aristotle is the Material Cause. This cause refers to the substance or matter that something is made of. In other words, it considers the physical components or the raw materials from which an object is created. For example, when we talk about a table, its material cause would be the wood it is made from. Aristotle believed that understanding the material cause is essential to comprehend the fundamental nature of an object.

The shared characteristics or essential qualities that define a class of objects is what Aristotle defines as ​ (a)   . All objects have the capacity to develop and manifest their essential qualities over time, which is known as ​ ​ (b)   . Once the object becomes what it is designed to be, Aristotle would say that object is in a state of ​ (c)   . Objects that reach this state flourish (live happily), which Aristotle called a state of ​ (d)   .

• universal essence
• potentiality
• actuality
• eudaimonia
• individual essence
• nirvana
• heaven

Answer explanation

1. The universal essence is the shared characteristics or essential qualities that define a general category or class of objects. For example, the universal essence of a human would include characteristics common to all humans.

2. Actuality vs. Potentiality:

   • Actuality refers to the realization of the essential qualities that define an object. It is the state of being what it truly is.

   • Potentiality is the capacity of an object to develop and manifest its essential qualities over time.