- - In his Physics, Aristotle examines the theories and ideas regarding nature of his predecessors and then, based upon his own ideas, theories and experiments, argues against what he believes are incorrect conclusions. One idea that Aristotle argues specifically is teleology. Teleology is the idea that natural phenomena are determined not only by mechanical causes but by an overall design or purpose in nature. In this essay, I will examine what Aristotle's concept of teleology …
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showed last 75 words of 871 total
…explain a phenomenon, Aristotle said that one must discover its goal, to understand "that for the sake of which" the phenomenon in question existed. A simple example of this kink of explanations is the duck's webbed feet. According to Aristotle's reasoning, ducks have webbed feet for the sake of swimming which is an activity that supports the goal of a duck's existence. That goal is to find food in water so as to stay alive