Hylomorphism /
Simpson, William M. R.,
Hylomorphism / William M.R. Simpson. - 1 online resource (72 pages) : digital, PDF file(s). - Cambridge elements. Elements in the philosophy of biology, 2515-1126 . - Cambridge elements. Elements in the philosophy of biology, .
Also issued in print: 2023.
Includes bibliographical references.
Open access.
This Element introduces Aristotle's doctrine of hylomorphism, which provides an account of substances in terms of their 'matter' and 'form', adapting and applying it to the interface between physics and biology. It begins by indicating some reasons for the current revival of hylomorphism and by suggesting a way of classifying the confusing array of hylomorphisms that have arisen. It argues that, in order for composite entities to have irreducible causal powers which make a difference to how nature unfolds, they must have substantial forms which transform their matter such that the powers of their physical parts are grounded in the composite entity as a whole. It suggests how a contemporary form of hylomorphism might contribute to the philosophy of biology by grounding the non-intentional form of teleology that features in the identity conditions of biological systems, affirming a real distinction between living organisms and heaps of matter.
9781009026475 No price No price No price
10.1017/9781009026475 doi
Hylomorphism.
BD648 / .S5 2023
117
Hylomorphism / William M.R. Simpson. - 1 online resource (72 pages) : digital, PDF file(s). - Cambridge elements. Elements in the philosophy of biology, 2515-1126 . - Cambridge elements. Elements in the philosophy of biology, .
Also issued in print: 2023.
Includes bibliographical references.
Open access.
This Element introduces Aristotle's doctrine of hylomorphism, which provides an account of substances in terms of their 'matter' and 'form', adapting and applying it to the interface between physics and biology. It begins by indicating some reasons for the current revival of hylomorphism and by suggesting a way of classifying the confusing array of hylomorphisms that have arisen. It argues that, in order for composite entities to have irreducible causal powers which make a difference to how nature unfolds, they must have substantial forms which transform their matter such that the powers of their physical parts are grounded in the composite entity as a whole. It suggests how a contemporary form of hylomorphism might contribute to the philosophy of biology by grounding the non-intentional form of teleology that features in the identity conditions of biological systems, affirming a real distinction between living organisms and heaps of matter.
9781009026475 No price No price No price
10.1017/9781009026475 doi
Hylomorphism.
BD648 / .S5 2023
117