Question

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write a response to the paragraphs below, the answer must be at least 125 words

The “First Principles” are the thought by Aristotle that in order for things to exist there must be causes for them to have gained existence and of these causes the highest and most important contributions to these causes are referred to as the first principles. The theory of causation explains that the ultimate causes or first causes exist rather than an infinite set or infinite types of causes. The four causes that explain why knowledge can be obtained are a part theories and types of causes introduced by Aristotle. Formal, Final, Material, and Efficient causes are his explanation to how all things began to exist and where the knowledge for them can be within a definite number. According to Aristotle there must be causes for certain things to have gained existence and of these causes the highest and most important contributions to these are referred to as the first principles.

Some of the first principles to explain the existence of the universe have been the four causes made by Aristotle that all things are made of ultimate causes and that they are of a definite number. Plato thought that Platonic forms existed in a separate and eternal reality and as universal forms were the cause of the existence of all things. Kant’s perception of the first principles was the idea that there was a perfectly independent noumenal being that created all things and was the cause for existence.

The reason for making sure there is agreement about the first principles before discussing a topic in philosophy is to make sure that everyone can accept the reasoning that is given during a discussion and to ensure that everyone that is involved in the discussion is carrying the purpose of their points from the same base beginning. It also makes sure that subject of the conversation has the same cause of existence to ensure that comparisons and contrasts that are looked at within the conversation are better compared equally and fairly.

Answer 1

Anything that exists in this world has a reason for its existence and something must have caused its existence. Aristotle discusses four important causes such as material cause with which a particular thing made up of, form means a particular shape that thing takes, efficiency means the actual person or thing that made that thing and finally, the final cause which explains the purpose of the existence of something.

Let's take the example of a statue. The statue is made up of stone which makes its material cause. The actual shape of the statue which could be a shape of a dog, cat or even a human which makes the form cause. The sculptor who makes the statue who becomes the efficient cause. Finally, the purpose of the statue's existence which could be for decoration or for sale, commercial purpose.

If we look at the example of the discussion on this topic, the material element will be the topic and the language that makes up the discussion which is the form. All those who are involved in the discussion make up the efficiency element and the purpose is to discuss and find out whether Aristotle has made a point with his four causes.