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hylomorphism
(redirected from Hylemorphism)

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hylomorphism

Metaphysical view according to which every natural body consists of two intrinsic principles, one potential (namely, primary matter) and one actual (namely, substantial form). It was the central doctrine of Aristotle's philosophy of nature. He based his argument for hylomorphism chiefly on the analysis of change. If a being changes (e.g., from being cold to being hot), something permanent must exist that remains throughout the change; in addition, there must be an actual principle that differentiates the earlier from the later state. The permanent principle is matter, the actual principle form.
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The difference between the two views of nature lies in this: According to Aristotelian hylemorphism, natural substances are in the last analysis understood as composites of prime matter and of substantial forms, where the latter inhere in the former only transitorily.
The doctrine, life, and Roman trial of the Frisian philosopher ... by Spruit, Leen / Renaissance Quarterly
 
 
 
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