Aristotle’s Theological System of Concepts Reconsidered

Abstract

Aristotle’s theology is founded upon his physical studies. Aristotle, originally following the goal of pre-Socratic natural philosophers, has organized a set of philosophical concepts including ousia, matter, form, potentiality, actuality and entelechia to explain natural changes and motions. His way of study, therefore, is based on experience and observation. In this way, he has proved the existence of an unmoved mover and presented a concept of God. Yet, the failures and ambiguities of the concepts, their essential state of naturality and Aristotle`s main mental concern in solving the problem of nature have led to an ambiguous and defective view in the field.

Keywords

• theology
• ousia
• unmoved mover
• matter and form
• potentiality and actuality
• aristotle