Aristotle on the Soul | Nutritive, Sensitive & Rational Soul | Soul as Form & Final Cause of Body

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Aristotle’s concept of the soul is radically different from Plato’s. Instead of viewing the soul as a separate entity from the body, Aristotle argues that the soul is the form, final cause, and first actuality of a living being. But what does this mean? And how does Aristotle’s hylomorphic understanding of nature explain the connection between body and soul?

In this video, we explore Aristotle’s three types of soul—nutritive, sensitive, and rational—and their role in defining the purpose and function of living beings. We also break down Aristotle’s concepts of first actuality and second actuality, explaining how the soul gives an organism its capacity for life, even when its powers aren’t actively exercised.

Perfect for University Courses & A-Level Philosophy & Ethics OCR & AQA or equivalent.

🔍 Key Points Covered:
Aristotle’s rejection of Plato’s dualism and his argument for hylomorphism
The soul as both Formal Cause and Final Cause of the body
The three types of soul: nutritive, sensitive, and rational
The distinction between first actuality and second actuality
The soul as first actuality—the realised capacity for life

📖 Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:09 Plato’s Dualism vs. Aristotle’s Hylomorphism
01:52 Soul as Formal Cause
02:12 The Three Types of Soul
03:01 Soul as Final Cause
03:35 First Actuality vs. Second Actuality
05:09 Soul as First Actuality
05:51 Conclusion

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📺 More on the Soul:
   • UNTANGLE: Mind, Body & Soul  

🔬 Sources & Further Reading:
Aristotle (2018) On the Soul and Other Psychological Works. F. D. Miller, Jr. (trans.) . Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Goetz, S. & Taliaferro, C. (2011) A Brief History of the Soul. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kenny, A. (2010) A New History of Western Philosophy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

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