Man, God, and Rain: Is Aristotelian Teleology Hierarchical?

• Main Author: Brandon Henrigillis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Center for Hellenic Studies 2017-12-01
• Series: Akropolis
• Subjects: Aristotle; Teleology; metaphysics
• Online Access: http://helenskestudije.me/ojs/index.php/jhs/article/view/5

There are some passages within the Aristotelian corpus that indicate that Aristotle argued for a wider and more cosmic teleology than he is usually understood to have held.  There are two interpretive camps that have been formed as a response to these passages.  The first argues that Aristotle held only the internal teleology that he is commonly associated with, and the second argues that Aristotle must have defended a hierarchical teleology in which some things in the universe are meant to benefit other things.  I argue that both sides are mistaken, and that the key to understanding Aristotelian teleology is through a correct interpretation of Metaphysics Λ 10.